Thank you, Madam Chair. The Standing Committee on Government Operations made it a priority to find ways to increase Indigenous representation in the Northwest Territories public service. This work began in 2020, and the committee's report was read into the record on March 28, 2023. The committee met with people in person and virtually in communities across the Northwest Territories to hear their perspectives on this matter.

The committee consistently heard a deep longstanding disappointment with the government as an employer and a viewpoint that the system is intended to keep Indigenous people out of the public service. The recommendations formulated by the committee address the main concerns heard by members of the public: The government needs to improve the way competitions are held; decentralize operations; create a fair and transparent appeal process; implement mechanisms to hold hiring managers accountable; set hiring targets; and, be cautious of potential problems with limiting the definition of Indigenous. The committee asks the government to recognize the reconciliatory intent of these recommendations and to implement these recommendations in relevant policies.

The committee expresses gratitude to everyone who took the time to meet with committee, in person and virtually, and made the effort to provide us with their thoughts in writing. I would like to thank committee for their work on this review. Individual Members may have additional comments. Thank you, Madam Chair.