Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to speak a little about an ongoing issue that this government has been working toward for the last few sessions. Mr. Speaker, this government has had many initiatives and policies in place to address the issues of a low number of aboriginals within the GNWT workforce. Mr. Speaker, although the intent of these initiatives and policies are honourable and have realized some degree of success, I believe that the government still does not put their whole heart into achieving the desired results it says it is committed to and continues to make aboriginal training and hiring for higher-level government positions a low priority.

Mr. Speaker, just reviewing some of the new initiatives this government is embarking on with respect to filling management positions which our aging government will be vacating and will have to be filled in the very near future, I cannot express my dismay more when I cannot see any aboriginals or very few who have been included or prioritized in these initiatives.

Mr. Speaker, if this government is committed to increasing the representation of northerners, specifically aboriginals, in the public service, I’d be supportive and have more trust in this government and the commitments we make to our constituents if every department made a concerted effort to ensuring that these priority issues are being followed through at all levels of government. Mr. Speaker, during my tenure in this government I would like to see some concrete evidence that aboriginal employees and potential aboriginal employees in every sector of this government are utilized to their fullest potential and given every opportunity and due consideration as available candidates for these higher-level government positions.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I hope this government can address this issue in an open and transparent manner and work toward resolving this ongoing issue in a continued and concerted basis with all the departments. This government is a reflection of the people we serve, and it is my intention to ensure the residents of the NWT that the GNWT is looking into the right mirror at this fair and not one that may be distorted by hidden agendas or underlying principles of equality and fairness which we strive to uphold and maintain on a daily basis. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause