Debates of October 30, 2006 (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are addressed to the Minister of Human Resources in regard to the long-awaited overhaul of the affirmative action policy and the employment equity policy that has been drafted in its place. What are the government’s plans, considering they have been working on this now for over three years and we have about eight or nine months left in our term? Is there a plan to bring this forward so that the people can see the fruit of all of this hard work? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The honourable Minister of Human Resources, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 220-15(5): Revisions To The Affirmative Action Policy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government has completed quite a bit of work on this and has some ideas for how to move forward with employment equity. We are at the point now where we are ready to discuss it with Members of the Legislative Assembly and the standing committees and then see if there is a willingness to move forward. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Supplementary To Question 220-15(5): Revisions To The Affirmative Action Policy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, has the document been circulated outside of this Assembly so that the other stakeholders as well could get a sense of what is to transpire, what is being proposed, or is everything dependent on feedback from AOC? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 220-15(5): Revisions To The Affirmative Action Policy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As is the tradition with how we do business in this House, we have offered to brief the committee. We have shared the information with the committee. We are prepared to have a discussion with members of the standing committee. That would be the first step before any document would be shared outside. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Supplementary To Question 220-15(5): Revisions To The Affirmative Action Policy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given the time left in the life of this Assembly, is the government of the opinion that they would be able to roll it out, or are we looking at a policy decision that is now going to be made by the next Assembly? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 220-15(5): Revisions To The Affirmative Action Policy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government believes that this policy could be brought into place. So the affirmative action policy fairly quickly and it could happen during the life of this Assembly, depending on how our discussions go with Members and other stakeholders. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Final supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Supplementary To Question 220-15(5): Revisions To The Affirmative Action Policy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could the Minister indicate to this House and to the people listening, whether the current classification of P1, P2, and P3 would be retained, or in light of the human rights legislation and other legislation that has been enacted over the years since this policy was developed whether there would be a change that would be reflected in the new policy? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 220-15(5): Revisions To The Affirmative Action Policy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No, the definitions now, the P1, P2, and P3 would disappear, but the employment equity program would involve the identification and removal of systemic barriers as well as the identification of groups that might be underrepresented and then specific targeted actions to work to bring the representation in various parts of government up to the standards that it should be. So it is in many ways similar. Employment equity is similar to affirmative action, but it is a more active process of identifying where the problems lie and then trying to find ways, whether it is through bursaries, training or other targeted employment measures, to rectify the situation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.