Mr. Speaker, June 10 to 16, 2012, has been designated National Public Service Week. This week provides the opportunity for Canadians to celebrate the work, accomplishments and contributions of public service employees. This year’s theme is “Celebrating our Commitments!”
Everyone in this Chamber has witnessed the remarkable dedication of public service employees and can attest to their commitment to serving the people of the Northwest Territories and to implementing our vision of Believing in People and Building on the Strengths of Northerners. On Wednesday the Premier’s Awards for Excellence will be presented in our Great Hall to recognize public service employees who have demonstrated excellence in their work. Congratulations to all those who have been nominated.
Recently members of the public service had an opportunity to hear the president of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada address the career challenges and opportunities in the public sector. This group promotes good practices and innovations in the public sector and helps to educate citizens about public administration matters and issues. The launch of our new regional chapter is welcome news and I am looking forward to seeing the development of this association dedicated to excellence in the public service.
Recruitment and retention of resourceful, dedicated staff is essential in building a professional public service. We are fortunate in the North to have employees of high calibre, who consistently display commitment, innovation and creativity. As you are aware, the GNWT is currently recruiting summer students who represent the next generation of public servants and who bring new energy to the workplace. I am pleased to advise that as of yesterday, 241 summer students have been hired by our departments, boards and agencies; 52 percent are indigenous Aboriginal students and 46 percent are indigenous non-Aboriginal students.
The Government of the Northwest Territories is mindful of the challenging economic times we are currently facing. Departments, boards and agencies are ultimately responsible for determining their student hiring, depending on their specific needs, operations and budgets. The Department of Human Resources provides guidance and assistance to managers on the summer student hiring process, including the application of the Affirmative Action Policy.
The Summer Student Employment Program is a win-win for both the students and the territorial government. Students gain hands-on experience to complement their formal education and the government benefits from the innovation and creativity of young Northerners. To ensure GNWT summer students understand their role in the public service and to provide them with a positive work experience, the Department of Human Resources has redesigned the summer student orientation sessions. The orientation introduces them to employment practices such as use of Internet and cell phones and benefits such as leave for medical appointments. Summer students also get involved in discussions on topics like intergenerational communications and how Cabinet works in a consensus government. Orientation sessions are being held in Yellowknife and regional centres.
It is also my pleasure during Public Service Week to recognize the array of public servants who have had long, distinguished careers with the GNWT and who are now looking to the next phase of their lives: retirement. Just a few examples of such accomplished and respected employees – and believe me, there are many more – include:
Mr. Sholto Douglas, renewable resource officer with Environment and Natural Resources in Fort Smith, retiring after 37 years with the GNWT;
Mr. Carl McLellan, maintenance coordinator with Public Works and Services in Norman Wells, retiring after 36 years of service;
Ms. Bronwyn Watters, deputy minister of Justice, retiring after 34 years in various departments and roles; and
Mr. Dan Daniels, deputy minister of Education, Culture and Employment who retired in May after nearly 33 years in service.
When individuals commit the majority of their professional lives to furthering the values and initiatives of a single organization, this is no small accomplishment. I would like to offer my thanks to all our hardworking and dedicated public servants for their hard work, commitment and service to the people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.
