Today I share my colleague’s concerns and I, too, will discuss the Board Reform Initiative. Also, welcome the many teachers, concerned citizens and youth in our gallery here today.
---Applause
The Ministers have proposed some very big changes. We would need to have some very clear and important reasons to understand why we should make those big changes. The Ministers have not yet been able to clearly explain to me what important and urgent problems they want to solve with these new regional services boards. In my riding of Nahendeh, the Dehcho Divisional Education Council is organized, efficient and within budget. The Dehcho Health and Social Service Authority is operating efficiently and effectively. The local housing organizations function well and as well they can relate to people’s circumstances. We have capable administrators, financial managers and chief executive officers. We don’t have many issues with case management. Our agencies and staff currently work together for the betterment of our people.
I initially supported a review of our boards and agencies. However, the GNWT’s rollout package indicates that government is now actually proposing the merging of organizations and administrations. This now has the interest of my constituents and is developing into an issue of great concern. Mixing of health, education and housing is not a good combination. I liken it to the mixing of apples, oranges and bananas. There is just no way to make them the same.
It seems like the Ministers are proposing to make changes that would cost a lot of money and, in the end, would not make very much difference to the people. I understand that there would be large HR costs to bring new people into the public service, transfer their pensions. I also understand that there would be significant computer costs so that everyone could be on PeopleSoft and the government’s new financial systems. And then there would be offices that would have to be rearranged and moved. We, as MLAs, would be surprised if we were able to review a carefully prepared estimate of these costs. I would expect that number could be in the millions of dollars, Mr. Speaker.
I would also seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you very much, colleagues. Effective and efficient delivery of our public services is all that our people ask. I believe that our current system is effective. I also believe that the proposed changes will not provide improved services to our people. I am not in favour of the proposed Board Reform Initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.
