Debates of May 27, 2004 (day 14)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Premier, and they are a follow-up to my statement about an aspect of the affirmative action policy. As I said, I have had constituents remark, and in fact complain, that the policy really amounts to a form of age discrimination. I also spoke of our previous government's commitment to look at this issue, but I have found in my research no evidence that this was addressed. Mr. Speaker, can the Premier tell this assembly whether this government has examined its affirmative action policy in light of changing circumstances and the passage of time? Thank you.

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 145-15(3): Examination Of The Affirmative Action Policy

Mr. Speaker, no, this government has not had an opportunity yet to review the affirmative action policy. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Supplementary To Question 145-15(3): Examination Of The Affirmative Action Policy

Mr. Speaker, specific to the residency criteria, could the Premier advise whether he is in any position to consider whether this half lifetime requirement for eligibility for hiring in our government is still acceptable in today’s human rights standards? Thank you.

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 145-15(3): Examination Of The Affirmative Action Policy

Mr. Speaker, I’ve asked the same question. First of all, what is the rationale for half of one’s lifetime in order to qualify under the affirmative action policy, and I am also asking whether this is any inconsistency or possible violation of our other legislation. But, Mr. Speaker, at this time I don’t know the rationale that was used at the time this was established. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Supplementary To Question 145-15(3): Examination Of The Affirmative Action Policy

Mr. Speaker, as the 15th Assembly has been preparing its work plans and its priorities in committee, and in consultation with other leaders in the NWT, a fair amount of attention has been paid to growing and sustaining a workforce with the government that is capable and willing to perform the tasks that we require as a new government. A number of areas of how do we do this, how do we enable our civil service to be the best it can be have been addressed? Is a review of the affirmative action policy one of the priorities that this government will undertake during the life of this assembly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 145-15(3): Examination Of The Affirmative Action Policy

Mr. Speaker, certainly we will be looking at this as time permits. Our statistics in terms of employment of people, whether its indigenous aboriginal persons or indigenous non-aboriginal persons, or disabled people, or women in management, are important to us, and we certainly want to have employment that reflects our population. So, yes, this will be looked at by the 15th Assembly. Thank you.