Debates of February 18, 2005 (day 39)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. Mr. Speaker, I would like to update Members on the implementation of the action plan for human resources in the corrections service, which I released last December.

A review began in August and the final report, prepared by corporate human resources, identified 35 items to be considered.

The action plan was prepared in response to this review. To implement this plan, a team was established, including an independent evaluator, human resources and information technology staff, and corrections staff.

I’m pleased to report that of the 35 recommendations we received in November, 16 have already been addressed. We expect to have dealt with all of the remaining recommendations by April 30th.

A proposed reorganization of corrections headquarters and North Slave Correctional Centre is being considered. We are working on a request for proposals to develop a training and personal development databank. We’ve also improved communications between management and staff, set clear requirements for hiring and established occupational health and safety committees in all our facilities.

As the Members of this Assembly know, some of this work will continue for years after the project is completed. Some of the long-term actions include a three-year training plan, recruitment strategies and more effective training and performance reviews.

I’m pleased to see this project progressing and I will table a status report for the action plan later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause