Robert C. McLeod

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following two documents entitled "Inter-Activity Transfer Exceeding $250,000 (April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017)" and "Report of Special Warrants Issued (January 31 to May 24, 2017)." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned before, there are a lot of relief positions that we have and there is some overtime that does happen within the health authorities. Part of that can be attributable to the fact that it is a highly stressful job and there are times when the regular workers can't make it in so they have to call a relief person in. There was a study, in my understanding, done a few years ago, I think, by Health and Social Services on the amount of overtime that was being used across the health authorities in the Northwest Territories. My understanding is there...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is a very large organization. Staff turnover and vacancies are a reality. Our vacancies do change from day to day. As of March 31 of this year, our vacancy rate was 3.4 per cent. I don't have comparisons with other governments, but we would assume that our rate would be similar to the national average across the economy. We put various efforts towards recruitment and filling vacancies, including the use of competitive process, transfer assignments, development opportunities, direct appointments, and regional recruitment programs. Also, the intern...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that Bill 32, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 2, 2017-2018 be read for the third time, and, Mr. Speaker, I request a recorded vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South, that Bill 31, Supplementary Appropriations Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 2, 2017-2018, be read for the second time. Mr. Speaker, this bill makes supplementary appropriations for operations and expenditures for the government of the Northwest Territories for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South, that Bill 31: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures) No. 2, 2017-2018, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we can do some analysis. However, in 24-7 continued operations where shift work is required, if you notice a pattern, there does seem to be some sick leave but that's working 24-7. The health and wellness are in the workplace are a key initiative of the NWT, and this includes raising awareness about the GNWT Employee and Family Assistance Program as well as providing a variety of education sessions on health and wellness related topics. There was also a suggestion earlier in this Assembly about the concept of having Shane Days as well.

We haven't hired more full-time staff, but we have introduced full-time relief positions to provide coverage where needed. Relief employees say they are an important part of the GNWT, and their use is a very important part of ensuring that vital programs and services are provided to the residents of the Northwest Territories without interruption. As of December 31, 2016, the GNWT has had 374 relief employees, and overtime is authorized for operations required as necessary to support our programs, services, and delivery. In the Member's statement, he quoted the number of departments that do...

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, part of the cause would be travel costs and that, but to answer the Member's question, that level of detail we do not have yet, but as soon as the details are ironed out, we will share those with committee. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, to my right I have Mr. Jamie Koe, who is our Comptroller General for the Department of Finance, to my left I have Mr. Mike Reddy, who is legislative counsel with the Department of Justice. Thank you, Mr. Chair.