Debates of October 19, 2006 (day 11)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday I made a statement in regard to front-line workers in Ulukhaktok, particularly in regard to the social worker and the mental health worker. I'm just wondering, the Minister said he was going to provide information today with regard to the status of the recruitment. So can the Minister advise us what the stage is right now? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 143-15(5): Recruitment Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Ulukhaktok

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the information that I have is that the competition is closed Friday, and that there's going to be screening and hopefully interviewing very quickly thereafter. I'm not sure how many applicants they have because it's not closed yet, but the information I do have from the department for the social worker and wellness worker is that the competitions are going to be closed and the screening will take place very soon; next week. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Pokiak.

Supplementary To Question 143-15(5): Recruitment Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Ulukhaktok

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So if I understand correctly, the position would close this Friday and they'll screen the applications on Tuesday. I'm just wondering, Mr. Speaker, with that, if there's unqualified potential applicants for these two positions, what will happen with the two positions presently? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I didn't catch the part of the Member's question about whether they are qualified or not.

Mr. Pokiak, could you rephrase your question to the Minister. Mr. Pokiak.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The question I had is I understand right now from the Minister that they will screen the applications by Tuesday and they have a number of applicants right now. If there are unqualified applicants presently right now that they're screening, what will the department do to fill those positions right away? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 143-15(5): Recruitment Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Ulukhaktok

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the hope is that of the people that applied some will be seen to be qualified by the hiring committee and that there will be a choice and some interim process to allow those positions to be filled. If it's found that none of the candidates are suitable, then we're going to be in a difficult situation of trying to cover off with casuals and support from the Inuvik Health and Social Services Authority office in Inuvik. But at this point, as I indicated, Mr. Speaker, I'm not aware of who has applied or what their qualifications are. So I'm going to be optimistic that there will be qualified candidates applying. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Pokiak.

Supplementary To Question 143-15(5): Recruitment Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Ulukhaktok

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just my last follow-up, Mr. Speaker. I'm just wondering, after Tuesday and the review of the applicants, I'm just wondering how soon after that the applicants are reviewed. If there's qualified potential social workers and mental health workers, will the department hire these people? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. Time for oral questions has expired; however, I will allow the Minister to answer. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 143-15(5): Recruitment Of Front-Line Social Service Workers In Ulukhaktok

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we share the sense of urgency that the Member has indicated to us here, that we will get through this process as fast as we can and if there are suitable candidates, we'll make sure that that process is done as quickly as possible and job offers are made hopefully within a matter of a couple of weeks. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Time for oral questions has expired. Honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to return to item 7, oral questions, on the orders of the day for one question. Thank you.