Statements in Debates
Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled Government of the Northwest Territories Response to the Standing Committee on Government Operations Report 1-16(4), Review of the Information and Privacy Commissioner’s 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 Annual Reports. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, this has been brought forward at the national table, as well, where we had an incident in Hay River, a bad incident, and also a small community in Nunavut. So this has been brought forward and the discussion has been that we need those officers, new recruits, with a mentor that may have five to 10 years’ experience. So those are the discussions that we’ve had with the RCMP “G” Division, the importance and the relevance of it. So, yes, this is clearly a priority for us that we continue to recommend to the RCMP “G” Division. Mahsi.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. It is possible for a posting to be extended within the RCMP “G” Division, but there are certain factors taken into consideration. Whether it be the needs of the community, the needs of the force overall in the particular community and the overall force, and also the timing of the request. They have to give advance notice if there’s going to be a staffing plan for “G” Division and it is done well in advance. But it is possible for an extension at the community level. Mahsi.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. We feel that we need to meet the needs of all clientele in the Northwest Territories. We do provide budgets and funding to each department and also to the respective regions. There has been an increase in the travel budget as it has been highlighted in previous budgets and also this year as well. We continue to go out to isolated communities. It does cost us extra. Mr. Speaker, yes, we do have a budget for that. Mahsi.
Mr. Speaker, the modules that I’m talking about is we gave further funding in August 2009 to provide the Yamozha Kue Society to complete the development and product of the training modules for the community-based interpreter and the translator training modules that will be delivered as a pilot project.
Mr. Speaker, we need to reach out to the five regions that we have and it will take gradual steps, but this is an ongoing pilot project that we’re continuing to promote. Again, at the language symposium the experts around the table will give us more feedback on this particular program. Mahsi.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we do have a program in place through the Yamozha Kue Society through the Dene Cultural Institute. We deliver a module pilot training program. There have been different training programs in Yellowknife, Lutselk'e and other communities as well. It’s based on the modules. So, Mr. Speaker, once those six training modules are delivered… And a certificate of achievement is also awarded to those individuals. Once the six modules are completed, it’s going to be delivered in all language communities. Mahsi.
Mr. Speaker, again, the consultant will gather all the facts from the school boards, so I’m sure there will be a consultation happening with the school board. Mr. Speaker, Yellowknife education facility is under review and it will be completed in the spring of 2010 and, yes, there is consultation happening with the school boards. Mahsi.
Mr. Speaker, there has been a meeting already in November 2009, and, yes, we can come back to the YK No. 1 school board again to give them an update of what’s happening and why we’re doing an educational review. So, Mr. Speaker, there is a consult underway reviewing the schools across the Yellowknife area. It’s in the works, but I would commit to the Member that there can be a discussion from our department again, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.
Mr. Speaker, productive choices is throughout the Northwest Territories. It is the same for clientele. The Member has alluded to an elder shovelling. There is an exemption for aged individuals that it is not required to do these kinds of chores unless they participate to do so. Mr. Speaker, I can certainly provide the list of exemptions and also the productive choices that have been highlighted is the list that we follow within the choices that have been offered. Mahsi.
Mr. Speaker, we have client service officers that get together every now and then to highlight the key changes or program that is on hand. If there are any new initiatives that the community should be aware of through any client service officer and, Mr. Speaker, we will certainly take this into consideration with respect to the Member’s riding. If there is not enough information being shared, then we need to do that and other communities as well. Mr. Speaker, we will do what we can to provide more choices and the program delivery into the communities. Mahsi.