Debates of June 13, 2024 (day 27)

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Question 295-20(1): Lands Staff in Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today is to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. The Sahtu regional office plays a major role in assisting cabin owners, title owners on lands within that region. How many vacancies are there in that regional office? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Member from Sahtu. Minister of ECC.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there have been a high rate of turnover in staff in the Sahtu over the last year post merger. Currently, there are six vacancies within the department, and one that will be filled shortly with a casual in the short term. And there's active recruiting going on to fill the other positions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thanks to the Minister for that information here. What are the department plans for recruitment? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, there's been high turnover and the department is actively recruiting staff for these positions. Part of that has been advertising the positions multiple times in some instances and working to ensure that we are trying to engage with people within the area, the local area, to attempt to fill those positions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is the Minister looking at temporary transfers from other jurisdictions or other regional office, say at the Inuvik office, to bring personnel down to help with the services required by various residents of the Sahtu? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we pursue filling these vacant positions, we have been using the staff from -- the regional staff from the -- my apologies, sorry. There are ECC staff in the region that have the capacity to assist with the work on the lands files. As well as the staff are getting support from regional staff in other locations to assist with that work. Some of the work is also being supported by staff from headquarters in Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Minister of ECC. Oral questions. Member from Frame Lake.