Debates of October 30, 2006 (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my Member’s statement also talked about Nats’ejee K’eh and the issue over there. I would like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services, at what point did the GNWT become aware that the parties where they were without an agreement? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Roland.

Return To Question 216-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats’ejee K’eh Treatment Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have been aware for some time, as in the previous question, that it’s been recognized that they have been working without a union since 2003. They have always been encouraged to come together and come to a conclusion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 216-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats’ejee K’eh Treatment Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it’s been three years that these workers have not had any type of agreement on security. It’s been three years. So what did the government do in the three years to get the parties back on the road and not have our clients shut out and have people go down to other treatment centres? What have they done in three years and not just now when it comes down to the crunch when we are having this discussion? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 216-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats’ejee K’eh Treatment Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a contract is in place with the Deh Cho Health and Social Services Authority and the board that is the employer. That’s been in place and that has been honoured. They’ve waited for a conclusion to this. Of course, we are dealing with a separate employer dealing with their employees. From my standpoint, it’s to honour the initial contract with the society that’s delivering that service. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 216-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats’ejee K’eh Treatment Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in this situation here, because we are at the 11th hour of this agreement, it’s the only treatment centre in the Northwest Territories that shut down for a lot of issues that came from alcohol, and our communities are suffering terribly. I wonder if the Minister or GNWT would consider bringing the facilities or the parties, workers, into the public service so we have some security for our people. You have to think about the people in the community and the clients. Would the Minister consider bringing these workers into the public service? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 216-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats’ejee K’eh Treatment Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the issue of bringing employees into the public service has been considered by this government in the past and can be reconsidered. Ultimately, part of the issue is here when we are dealing with one union to another, there are issues that have to be dealt with. It’s not just straightforward taking on employees and bringing them in. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Final supplementary, Mr. Roland.

Supplementary To Question 216-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats’ejee K’eh Treatment Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I couldn’t agree more with the Minister. It’s the same with alcohol and drugs. With alcohol and drugs, you have to negotiate. I would encourage the Minister to reconsider bringing the workers into the public service where there is some security and benefits. Pay them for what they are worth in dealing with this serious issue of alcoholism in the Northwest Territories. I would again ask the Minister to really strongly consider bringing these workers into the public service where they are honoured and respected for the work they are doing in our communities in saving the lives of our people. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 216-15(5): Disruption Of Service At Nats’ejee K’eh Treatment Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the fact is, right now we do have a contract with the society who is the employer and that has to be taken into consideration as we proceed. That’s why, at this time, the encouragement is for the employer and employees to sit down and conclude a successful negotiation. Ultimately I think one has to look at the Government of the Northwest Territories which is no longer considered the choice employer of the Northwest Territories as we have, for quite some years, gotten away from some of the benefit levels that past employees were accustomed to. That should be considered as well. At this time, we are encouraging both parties to get back to the negotiation table, hopefully come up with a successful conclusion. During the meantime, we will be dealing with those individuals who are requesting help in the area of drug and addictions and help them receive that at this time. That would be going through alternate sources. At this time, that is going further south than our own border. Thank you.