Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Today I would like to talk about the GNWT’s hiring practices. As mentioned in this House before, the economies and employment opportunities in our smaller communities like Fort Resolution and Lutselk’e can only realize limited potential. Yet, in spite of this, many of the residents continue to live in these communities because it is home and has been their home for many generations. It is true that some migrate to larger centres, but for a good many, they remain committed to their community and will go out and get their education and return to their community. However, with only limited GNWT positions up for competition every so often, many of these individuals, for some reason or another, are overlooked.
I understand the GNWT’s hiring practices are guided by principles of fairness and equality, but in reality this is not the case. It places greater emphasis on education than it does on experience. Unfortunately, the reality of this is that many aboriginals do not possess a masters or even a degree-level education as compared to non-aboriginal persons that come north. So when these competitions come up, many aboriginal applicants are screened out because they do not have that degree or a masters.
The hiring practices of the GNWT do not reflect the population it serves and, therefore, can be seen as serving only a certain sector of the population and failing others as far as GNWT employment opportunities go.
Mr. Speaker, even though many do not possess a masters or a degree level of education, they possess many years of direct hands-on experience in the area they are applying for. In addition to this, they also possess the ultimate grasp on the dynamics associated with living and/or working in the smaller, isolated communities. Too often the non-aboriginal hires only last a few years before moving. Doing so means added cost to the GNWT and additional expenses related to turnover. The hiring practices of the GNWT are flawed and need to be…
Mr. Beaulieu, your time for your Member’s statement has expired.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted.
Mr. Speaker, the hiring practices of the GNWT are flawed and need to be reviewed so it can reduce the high turnover costs and, more importantly, allow equal opportunity for those who do not possess specific education requirements but do possess the related experience to do a good job. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
