Debates of October 19, 2006 (day 11)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to direct my questions today to the Premier and it gets back to my Member's statement today where I talked about a connection, and what I see from this side of the House is a disconnection between Cabinet and the rank and file employees of the Government of the Northwest Territories. I want to ask the Premier when was the last time he instructed his Cabinet Ministers to go on a tour of the various departments or corporations that they represent and actually sit down and talk to the rank and file employees they represent? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 140-15(5): Ministerial Interaction With Departmental Employees

Mr. Speaker, I don't recall the last discussion or direction from me to a Minister to do that. But certainly it is expected that Ministers will visit their departments and while they're there they will be speaking with whoever. Now, I don't know if they can speak to everybody, that's a tall order in some cases, but, yes, Ministers are expected to visit their departments both at headquarters and the regional levels. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 140-15(5): Ministerial Interaction With Departmental Employees

Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to know if Cabinet has a policy in dealing with employees in the various departments and corporations that the government represents or has control over. Is there a policy in place where an employee in whatever -- pick a department -- has direct access to the Minister? Is there a policy that says an employee in, let's say, Justice cannot contact the Minister directly? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 140-15(5): Ministerial Interaction With Departmental Employees

Mr. Speaker, we don't have a formal policy that any staff member can be phoning the Minister's office directly, but there is a chain of authority within an organization and normally we would expect people to talk to their supervisor. But, Mr. Speaker, certainly all employees have an opportunity speak to their MLA, and if their MLA happens to be the Minister, then, of course, they do that as well. But I don't think any Minister has ever said that I will not speak or I will not be open to any person in the public, whether they work for government or whoever they may work for. We are open to everyone. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 140-15(5): Ministerial Interaction With Departmental Employees

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think it would be beneficial to the Cabinet members if they did get out and had more on-the-ground contact with the employees that they represent and, in fact, they represent us as well. So I'd like to see you out there more, having that hand-to-hand contact and discussions with rank and file government employees so you can actually hear and discuss issues that are of a concern to them. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to ask, where in the development stage is any type of whistle-blower legislation from this government? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 140-15(5): Ministerial Interaction With Departmental Employees

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A discussion paper is being prepared and will be ready for distribution this fall. I don't have an exact date, but it's being handled through Human Resources. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.