Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Mr. Speaker, today I’ll use my Member’s statement to talk about the decentralization of territorial government positions to smaller communities such as Lutselk’e and Fort Resolution.
Mr. Speaker, the majority of the GNWT positions are staffed here in Yellowknife and the decentralization and delegation of authorities is something we need to look at. We should do so within the regime of this government, the 16th Assembly. Mr. Speaker, I recommend that this government start the process of negotiating a transfer of positions to the smaller communities as soon as possible.
In the past, the GNWT had tradespersons, renewable resource people, social program jobs in smaller communities; however, for some reason or another, many of these positions were eliminated or moved. Mr. Speaker, the employment rates in our small communities paint a dismal picture, and action is needed now. Putting GNWT positions into these smaller communities is one sure way of improving the employment situation in our smaller communities.
Mr. Speaker, it goes without saying this cannot occur tomorrow. However, a plan to move in that direction must be implemented as soon as possible. This will not be an easy task. However, creating infrastructure such as office space and housing in itself will begin to narrow the employment gaps that exist between larger communities and smaller communities.
Mr. Speaker, many of our households in the smaller communities rely solely on short-term employment and social programs for income. This creates a dependence on government resulting in continued spending pressures on the GNWT’s social purse.
Mr. Speaker, if the government is to develop a strategy to move 75 to 100 positions from Yellowknife and the regional centres to small communities with a target to increasing employment rates in smaller communities by 20 percent, immediate positive results would be realized in smaller communities. As well, the overall economic picture of the NWT will also be positively impacted.
Mr. Speaker, today I’ll have questions for the Premier on this at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
