Debates of March 18, 2004 (day 3)

March
18
2004
Day
3
Speaker
David Krutko
Word
Members Present
ITEM 1: PRAYER
Assembly Members
Topics
Committee Report 1-15(3): Standing Committee On Accountability And Oversight Report On The Review Of The Draft 2004-2005 Main Estimates
Committee Report 2-15(3): Standing Committee On Social Programs Report On The Review Of The Draft 2004-2005 Main Estimates
Further Return To Oral Question 9-15(3): NWT Housing Needs Survey
Member's Statement On Clawback Of National Child Benefit Supplement
Member's Statement On Implementation Of Changes To The Motor Vehicles Act
Member’s Statement On All-Weather Highway To Link Tuktoyaktuk To Inuvik
Member’s Statement On Crowded Classrooms In Yellowknife Schools
Member’s Statement On Family Involvement In Sport
Member’s Statement On Land Claims Obligations
Member’s Statement On Listening To The People
Member’s Statement On Management Opportunities For Aboriginal Employees
Member’s Statement On Resource Development Trust Fund
Member’s Statement On Road To The Northern Leaders Meeting In Hay River
Member’s Statement On Timely Receipt Of GNWT Records Of Employment
Minister's Statement 3-15(3): Report On Federal/Provincial/Territorial Meetings
Minister's Statement 5-15(3): Implementation Of New Municipal Governance Legislation
Minister’s Statement 4-15(3): Aboriginal Languages Month
Minister’s Statement 6-15(3): Winter Road Report
Motion 1-15(3): Appointment Of Deputy Chairpersons Of Committee Of The Whole, Carried
Motion 2-15(3): Setting Of Sitting Hours By Speaker, Carried
Motion To Move Committee Report 1-15(3) To Committee Of The Whole, Carried
Question 24-15(3): Land Claims Obligations
Question 25-15(3): Update On New Housing Re-investment Proposal
Question 26-15(3): Standing Committee On Non-Tax-Based Communities For The 15th Assembly
Question 27-15(3): Motor Vehicles Act Amendments – Mandatory Drug And Alcohol Awareness Training
Question 28-15(3): Permanent Trust Fund For Residents Of The NWT
Question 29-15(3): Delayed Receipt Of Record Of Employment Forms
Question 30-15(3): Clawback Of National Child Benefit Supplement
Question 31-15(3): Raising Revenues Through The Sin Tax
Question 32-15(3): Non-Insured Health Benefits – Growing Deficit
Question 33-15(3): Federal Government Honouring Commitments To The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program
Question 34-15(3): Supporting Resource Development In Small Communities
Question 35-15(3): Fair Treatment Of Tax-Based Communities
Question 36-15(3): Formal Process For Receiving The Public’s Suggestions For Fiscal Restraint
Statements

Member’s Statement On Timely Receipt Of GNWT Records Of Employment

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to draw attention to an apparent problem that has arisen within our government. The problem I refer to, Mr. Speaker, is the fact that several of my constituents have waited an inordinate amount of time for their record of employment from our government.

As most people are aware, Mr. Speaker, a record of employment is required by Human Resources Development Canada in order for a person to qualify for unemployment benefits. Mr. Speaker, in the employment insurance guide issued by HRDC it states that a record of employment must be issued within five calendar days of the interruption of earnings or the date that the employer becomes aware of the interruption.

Mr. Speaker, my constituents are indicating to me that they are having to wait up to two months for their record of employment. This is totally unacceptable, Mr. Speaker. These same people have families to support and they are not able to access employment insurance until they receive this document.

Mr. Speaker, one constituent wrote to me that this is the second year in a row that he has had to encounter the same problems with receiving his record of employment from the GNWT. I would like to quote an excerpt from his letter to me in this regard. It states: “I would request that you do whatever you can to correct this injustice so that no other family, man or woman have to go through this unreasonable delay in getting benefits that are rightfully theirs.”

I couldn’t agree more, Mr. Speaker. I believe that we owe it to our employees to ensure that this situation is rectified so that it does not happen again. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause