Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, creating jobs for northern residents and Aboriginal employees is a major part of the Government of the Northwest Territories socio-economic agreements with the three diamond mines. People who live in the areas most impacted by the mines are a part of the approval process and were a part of the approval process for their construction. These mines are on their traditional territory. Mr. Speaker, under these agreements, the diamond mines committed to build a workforce that was made up with about half northern Aboriginal people. These agreements also include workforce development and skill training programs to ensure our people had the best opportunity for successful employment at the diamond mines. But now, after nearly 20 years of operation, the mines' employment rates are consistently below target. Mr. Speaker, I would like to present the situation as the community members see it. Mr. Speaker, people in my riding feel that they are not given a fair chance on employment when it comes down to getting jobs. The diamonds quickly discontinue employment if one of the rules have not been followed as opposed to working with the employees to see what can be done to continue employment. Most people that have gone through feel that they were not treated fairly compared to others who had worked there. Mr. Speaker, I am not privy to the details. However, many exminers have told me their story. I encourage the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment to work with the mines on their employment statistics and hold the mines accountable for the targets in the socioeconomic agreements. We also need to ensure that company policies are consistently applied for all workers, regardless of who they are, where they come from, and how long they have been there.
Personally, I have talked to one of the diamond mines that employ people and felt very good about the discussion. Therefore, I feel that the mines are willing to discuss strategies that could increase their numbers. The diamond mines are our main source of economic activity right now. We need to do all we can to ensure that the jobs stay in the North and that the mines benefit all Northerners. Thank you.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.
