Mr. Speaker, since the implementation of the New Deal for NWT Community Governments in 2007, community governments have been in control of their own infrastructure priorities. The New Deal has changed the way they do business with Municipal and Community Affairs, and as a result, the department’s role has transformed into that of coach, advisor and supporter.
Building on the ideas and intentions of the New Deal, MACA worked with the NWT Association of Communities and the Local Government Administrators of the NWT to develop the Accountability Framework. It will emphasize and reinforce the goals of the New Deal initiative, and support the Assembly’s goal of a strong and independent North built on partnerships.
By providing advice and guidance to community governments, MACA’s staff have become advisors, encouraging communities to assume responsibility in implementing their own capital plans. MACA’s role is to be a strong, effective and supportive partner to community governments, acknowledging our shared responsibility in managing public funds.
The framework is designed around five core areas of responsibility: good governance, financial management, sound administration, planning and safe communities. We will continue to provide practical support to community governments in all of these areas.
In April 2011 MACA delivered a brief presentation on the project to the NWTAC board of directors and the LGANT board of directors, and has since presented its initial concepts to the NWTAC in May
2011. Following the presentation, the department reviewed feedback, refined its framework and prepared the final steps for the implementation of the framework.
We are nearing the completion of the Accountability Framework and anticipate implementation to begin this year. We will be asking communities to provide quarterly reports to ensure that the framework continues to meet their needs. This project is integral to building sustainable, vibrant, safe communities and is equally valuable for the future partnership between the Government of the Northwest Territories and community governments. Through the implementation of this framework, we will continue to strengthen our relationships with community governments and remain active, supportive partners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.
