Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In October of 2008, my Member’s statement said that I believe that some consolidation of some NWT boards is necessary and I still believe that. Mr. Speaker, I also said that the Tlicho Services Board model is not the best option for board reform in the NWT and I encouraged the government to consider other options. I quote from the Hansard record of October 9, 2008, when I said, “There are many other combinations and hybrids of our current system open to us if we get creative. No option should be dismissed outright.”
I also said that the consolidation of boards in Yellowknife would be almost impossible and encouraged significant in-person consultation with stakeholders. It is now February 2009 and where are we? The amalgamation model was decided without genuine consideration of other possible options; in my mind, definitely without consultation. One definition of consultation says it is a discussion aimed at ascertaining opinions or reaching an agreement. That would be prior to any decision, not after. There was no opportunity for stakeholders to provide comments or input and that’s a shame.
Mr. Speaker, MLAs, board members and residents have yet to be told how the decision on the model was made. It’s now February 2009 and where are we? In-depth analysis of the impact of the proposed changes on our residents, our board members, our staff, our systems is still lacking or unavailable. Where is the proof for the research to show that the proposed model is the best one working successfully elsewhere and suitable to all regions of the NWT? It’s now February 2009 and where are we?
The Minister has presented board reform as an issue already decided. His high-handed attitude and remarks to the media have shown a clear disregard to the importance of all NWT residents who are concerned about this change. He’s dismissed them outright, Mr. Speaker, and that may not be his intent, but that’s the message he’s transmitted.
In a statement made by Mr. Miltenberger on Monday, he indicated that the government took a considered approach to finding a solution for board reform and that they used three principles as a basis for their decision. I agree with that approach and the principles are valid and acceptable, Mr. Speaker, but the problem and the principles should have been presented to our public along with a blank page and a request for input to help create a model that will really work.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you to my colleagues. Working bottom up, not top down, Mr. Speaker, will garner buy-in to a problem from all participants. At this point, Cabinet has not sold their bill of goods to anyone except themselves. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.
