Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My Member's statement today is directed to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, specifically with their hiring practices. As Indigenous peoples in our communities, we want our people who go out to get educated to come back to our communities, simply because they know the people, they live in the community, and they have families within our communities. They also volunteer with sport programs and volunteer for other functions, such as carnivals and what have you, especially with the minor hockey programs. We've got some that volunteer to that, and that minor hockey is going by the wayside, so we're really lucky to have people in our community that will take it on and keep it going. From a recent hiring practice, it's just like a slap in the face to our community, when locals are not hired into prominent positions.

There's a former renewable resource officer that states that one does not need the level of experience for a "III" position, statement that they need at least five years' experience, as they advertise. It's also a known fact that there are many in management in the ENR who mostly likely don't qualify, but that hired through the process of it's-who-you-know. I'm astounded the Minister did not step up to the plate when called upon to keep the local hires in my community.

I've been made aware of the hiring of RRO3 position does not have to require five-year experience, as stated in the job ads, no experience running the snow machine and total lack of bush skills. The two locals that applied for advancements were not considered for the positions. Instead, the department looked for faults in them, in those employees, and thus were not hired. I'm appalled and disgusted with the Minister and the department, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.