Jake Ootes

Legislative Assembly photo

Roles

In the Legislative Assembly

Elsewhere

Historical Information Jake Ootes is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Last in the Legislative Assembly November 2003, as MLA for Yellowknife Centre

Won his last election, in 1999, with 61% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Concerns Expressed At Yellowknife South Constituency Meeting April 30th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon, Members. I held a constituency meeting earlier this week and I'm taking this opportunity to tell Members what my constituents told me; what seems to be uppermost in their minds.

Those at my meeting were a cross-section of business people, retired people, government employees and employees of various organizations. I received some very disturbing feedback on how the actions and developments of this government are perceived by the general public and by

the members of the public service. What my constituents said was that over the short life of this government, the public and public servants have experienced many monumental changes; changes they are insecure about.

Many of my constituents are public servants of this government. What I was told and what I have also heard on the street on many occasions is disturbing. I have been told, - morale amongst the public service is extremely low. " There seems to be various causes for this: the proposed reductions in the overall remuneration package; layoffs; but disturbingly in one case that I personally know of, and there may be others, an abrupt lay-off with little rational explanation. For others, there remains the ongoing concern over statements that there will be more lay-offs, yet there is no explanation of when this may happen.

Our employees are caught in a very unsettling environment. My constituents tell me that they see programs being implemented such as community empowerment, yet there has been no release of a detailed plan of action for all this, no information on how success will be measured.

Another concern is the manner in which occupational health and safety has been transferred from the Department of Safety and Public Services to the Workers' Compensation Board without public consultation. The public perception is that this changing of programs without public input is pervasive.

My constituents are raising questions about the constitutional process. They see and hear about the aspirations of aboriginal groups and their desires for self-government. I would like to state...

Bill 3: Forgiveness Of Debts Act, 1995-96 March 27th, 1996

Does that mean that FMBS is the ultimate one that does the chasing on these accounts?

Bill 3: Forgiveness Of Debts Act, 1995-96 March 27th, 1996

I just heard Mr. Todd say that most of these are dealt with through the different agencies in the government. Does that mean each particular department is responsible for its collection?

Bill 3: Forgiveness Of Debts Act, 1995-96 March 27th, 1996

Have these particular ones that we're writing off today been pursued by the collection agency?

Bill 3: Forgiveness Of Debts Act, 1995-96 March 27th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wonder if I could get an answer to my question about whether the government uses a collection agency.

Item 13: Tabling Of Documents March 27th, 1996

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table Tabled Document 21-13(3), a letter sent to all Members of the Legislature with regard to the transfer of occupational health and safety to the Workers' Compensation Board demanding that the transfer be stopped immediately and that a thorough public review be conducted seeking input from stakeholders, combined with an in-depth actuarial review. They are essential to the implementation of such a significant change to the Workers' Compensation Board and this letter is signed by Members from the NWT Federation of Labour; the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce; the NWT Construction Association; NWT Chamber of Mines; NWT Steelworkers Area Council; NWT Chamber of Commerce; Union of Northern Workers; NWT Association of Municipalities; and, the CAW Local 2304.

Item 13: Tabling Of Documents March 27th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table Tabled Document 19-13(3), 23 letters from the NWT businesses requesting that a public review and an actuarial review be made prior to the consideration of the proposed transfer of occupational health and safety to the Workers' Compensation Board.

Question 100-13(3): Membership Of Proposed Advisory Panel On The Economy March 27th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Premier in reference to his proposal to establish a committee of business people in the Territories. When the Premier spoke about this, he mentioned that he had had a meeting with Premier Klein in Alberta and an idea came from that in which Premier Klein, apparently, has an extensive group of business people. When the Premier announced his committee, he stated that he would have 12 individuals. I wonder if the Premier could commit to us that he will ensure that a number of organizations in the Territories that are business oriented will be included in his representation: the Chamber of Mines; the Chamber of Commerce; the transportation organization; and, the construction association. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 93-13(3):response To Committee On Occupational Health And Safety Transfer March 27th, 1996

I wonder if the Minister could assure me that, when the request comes, we will have the opportunity to review this matter. What's the time frame being considered for the transfer of occupational health and safety to the Workers' Compensation Board?

Question 93-13(3):response To Committee On Occupational Health And Safety Transfer March 27th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Safety and Public Services. As a Member of the Standing Committee on Resource Management and Development, we were advised in that committee that the issue of the transfer of occupational health and safety to the Workers' Compensation Board and justification for that would be referred back to the committee. Could the Minister tell me when that referral will be made back to the committee?