Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
A lot of opportunities are critical to our small communities, as is the case with many of my colleagues, and any community in my riding. One or two positions make a big difference. A single job loss has a ripple effect through families and will be noticed at school, the store, and the local RCMP detachment, for example. New jobs are few and far between. Like anywhere, job loss is a major disruption to a person's lifestyle. So, Mr. Speaker, I was not surprised when the chief of Fort Resolution was upset that ENR had reduced the number of seasonal fire fighters it is hiring to the communities due to changes made in the fire crew configuration. Mr. Speaker, I share his frustration. Two positions is an unacceptable impact to Fort Resolution. I agree that changing the configuration of fire crews has some merit, but it is unfair to the communities like Fort Resolution who will see fewer seasonal positions as a result. Even if ENR thinks the overall distribution of resources is more efficient, the redistribution and the loss should not be borne by seasonal workers in small communities. It does not reflect the value of local employment to residents in rural and remote communities. The individuals who might have been hired as firefighters this season are capable of working. Although the total number of firefighters across the NWT has not changed, those people do not have jobs. There are opportunities in the warehouse to work as backup or another part of the GNWT. Some people thrive on the seasonal nature of firefighting work and the flexibility that provides. GNWT programs need seasonal workers with flexible hours. I can think of one individual who does not fit that 8:30-to-five office work, but this person would be an excellent youth officer from after school to maybe eight or nine at night. Mr. Speaker, ENR took steps to minimize the impacts of the change.
Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, your time has expired for Members’ statements.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ENR took steps to minimize the impacts of the change to crew configuration by offering more permanent jobs. When it comes to small communities, people are much more vulnerable in situations of job loss. Mr. Speaker, the loss of seasonal positions in Fort Resolution is unacceptable. The precedent it sets is a critical issue not only for my riding, for all small communities across the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.
