Wendy Bisaro

In my Member’s statement I mentioned that I sensed a genuine desire on the part of the Department of Human Resources — I should say my questions are addressed to the Minister of Human Resources — to make transition as easy as possible for those employees who have been targeted for reduction. I’d like to give the Minister an opportunity to publicly state and answer the question: is it the department’s goal to make the accommodation of employees as easy as possible?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess I missed that part of the meeting. That wasn’t my understanding. I will discuss that with the committee.

I thank you, Minister, for that answer. Particularly in regard to those who are approaching retirement or those who are requesting voluntary separation, there are policies which are in place. I wonder if the Minister could advise whether or not the department is open to actions for these particular employees that are outside the current policy.

Mr. Speaker, I’ve had the chance to do a small review of the Budget Address heard last week, and a number of statements in the address made me go, “Huh?” I’d like to discuss a few of those and the questions they raised in my mind.

We had some communication last week about how the government is accommodating employees who have been affected by budget reductions. There seems to be a genuine desire on the part of the government to make the transition as easy as possible, but where are the actions that show us that desire? I haven’t seen anything.

The Minister of Human Resources said that GNWT...

At second reading, we’re discussing the principle of the bill, and I don’t think it’s any secret that I’ve struggled with the content of this budget. I’ve struggled with whether it’s a good budget or a poor budget.

I’ve been trying to look at the big picture, to look at the Territories as a whole. I’ve been trying to stay away from whether or not there’s something in the budget that’s going to benefit me and my constituents in particular. And I am still conflicted. I really don’t know whether or not this budget is going to be.... I don’t feel at the moment that this budget is going to be a good...

I’m glad to hear that. Thank you, Minister.

I’d like to know whether or not the Minister can advise what kind of a time frame is involved. I presume there has to be Cabinet approval of any changes to these policies. Can he advise when these policies will be going forward to Cabinet and when we might expect some kind of a response in that regard?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t think I heard the Minister say that he’ll consider the idea of an ombudsman’s office, so I’ll repeat the question. Will the Minister agree to look into establishing an ombudsman’s office for the next fiscal year?

I thank the Minister for his answer. I know that there is nothing in the current legislation that can limit a rent increase, except that there can only be one in any 12month period.

I’d like to know whether or not the Minister can advise if the department, in previous years, has ever considered rent caps.

I may be older but you’re obviously wiser, so I will try this again.

Laughter.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to bring to light today a situation affecting my constituents and, I suspect, the constituents of other Yellowknife ridings. Yellowknife’s rental housing market is extremely tight at the moment; the vacancy rate is less than 1 per cent. We’re all well aware of the current costs that are attached to the provision of heat, power, maintenance and so on that landlords must endure — particularly fuel costs. So it’s no surprise that tenants across the city of Yellowknife are receiving notices of pending rental rate increases.

Constituents have advised me that their rent...