Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today the Minister of Human Resources made a Minister's statement on the Regional Recruitment Program. I have some questions on that. I would like to ask the Minister what the duration of the training would be for 80 per cent of the salary? Thank you.
Masi. Minister of Human Resources.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Generally the duration is about one year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Can the Minister advise the House if it is possible for the duration of the regional recruitment candidates to have their training extended beyond one year, like maybe two years or more, if necessary?
Extensions could be considered on a case-by-case basis. So as they go through the training, if there's a need to extend the training further so that they can work on their qualifications, then it would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
As the Minister knows, I represent Detah and Ndilo. I would like to ask the Minister, for the purpose of this program, is Yellowknife also considered a regional centre that would include all the positions in Yellowknife, not just the regional office? Because of the proximities of the communities I represent, I'd like to know if all of Yellowknife is considered a region for the purpose of the Regional Recruitment Program.
My understanding is that the folks in the Detah-Ndilo area, are they eligible, the short answer is yes, they are.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister indicated that, under the Regional Recruitment Program, that 32 persons would be recruited to GNWT positions. I'd like to ask the Minister if he has a target for how many regional recruitment candidates he would like to have at the end of this fiscal year, and what that target would be? Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We aim to support a minimum of 15 each year, no target at the year end. Applications are being received continually over the year, and we would strongly encourage the regions to utilize this program. We feel that there is a lot of value in this program. As Members of this House have heard us say a number of times, we have to start looking at succession planning, and this might be a valuable tool in achieving that. So I would strongly encourage NWT residents that, if they are interested in any particular type of training, to approach HR and the GNWT to see if there are opportunities for that training.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
