Debates of October 18, 2006 (day 10)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, about this time last year we sought input from the Members on our options to improve planning and coordination at headquarters and in the regions.

An important component of this initiative was the creation of a regional director position while maintaining a ministerial order of government. These offices are critical to ensuring:

government programs and services are consistently implemented within regions;

effective coordination of interdepartmental initiatives within regions;

improved communication on government strategic initiatives within regions; and,

that the government gets the required regional input into planning.

Emerging self-governments and the creation of the Mackenzie gas project impact fund are two good examples of how critical increased coordination and communication within the government and with key stakeholders is at the regional level.

In setting up executive offices in the North Slave, South Slave, Deh Cho, Sahtu and the Beaufort-Delta regions, the government has taken a significant step forward in improving planning and coordination at all levels. Regional directors have been hired; Bob Sanderson for the South Slave region; Dan O’Neill in the North Slave; Andy Short in the Sahtu; Andrew Johnston in the Deh Cho. In the Beaufort-Delta, Helen Sullivan is acting regional director while staffing of that position is at the final stage. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time today I will introduce these regional directors in the Legislative Assembly.

Their offices are now being set up and I am sure I can speak for all Members in welcoming these individuals to their new positions and that the government looks forward to working with them to advance our goals and priorities.

---Applause