Mr. Speaker, there is much to be said about looking to the past to inform and guide you in determining where to go in the future. I would like to let this Assembly know that staff at Municipal and Community Affairs have begun that process and are working on developing an updated Strategic Plan. Many changes have occurred in recent years and now that the New Deal is firmly part of the way MACA interacts with the communities, the development of a new Strategic Plan to address the changes is opportune at this time.
Workshops for MACA staff are underway and are capturing staff experiences, creative ideas and recommendations. Once a draft departmental strategic plan is prepared, input will be sought from our stakeholders, including the NWT Association of Communities, the Local Government Administrators of the NWT, our sport and recreation partners and others. I will then seek input from the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure to ensure the development of a comprehensive and forward-looking strategic plan that supports community governments well into the future. Members of the Legislative Assembly and the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure will also have additional opportunities to comment on the Strategic Plan as it is incorporated into the department’s business plan.
Essential components of the Strategic Plan will be the development of specific activities, targets, timelines, and roles and responsibilities. The Strategic Plan will be supported by the development of internal work plans that will help meet goals and complete actions so that the department can report publicly on an annual basis.
I am confident, that in working with all of our partners and Members of this Assembly, the outcome of this strategic planning process will produce a workable framework that ensures the department’s planned programs and services meet the needs of our clients, stakeholders, and partners.
While MACA is engaged in its strategic planning exercise, the leadership of each community government, with the assistance of MACA, are also developing their own strategic plans that will lay out their foundations for future actions and directions. This bodes well for the future.
MACA assists communities with governance, infrastructure, capacity building and in helping keep their communities safe. MACA also provides programs for youth and in promoting wellness and physical health. Given the wide scope of MACA’s mandate, it is important to plan for the future and ensure that we have a clear framework to guide us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
