Debates of November 30, 2007 (day 6)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, an unsettling number of employees suffer from what can be called a toxic workplace, one where workers literally live in fear of a tyrannical supervisor. These workers can be so scared and oppressed that they find themselves unable to securely and safely communicate their situation to those who can help, at least not without risk of severe repercussions. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents, I would like to ask the Minister of Human Resources how this department plans to detect and deal with these pockets of fear and oppression that exists now within our government departments.

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Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Minister responsible for Human Resources, Mr. Bob McLeod.

Return To Question 78-16(1): Human Resource Issues In GNWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Member for the question. The government has a workplace conflict resolution policy. That outlines how we would deal with those toxic environment situations that he described. Generally we depend on our management and the employees in question to report on those types of situations. We take them very seriously because the safety of our employees is our first priority. If we do become aware of any such situation, we take immediate action in a variety of different ways. If we feel that there is an immediate danger, we will take steps to remove the employees in question or send them home or take some action so that there is no possibility of something more serious occurring. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Bromley.

Supplementary To Question 78-16(1): Human Resource Issues In GNWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not sure that answered my question of how those pockets will be detected without sort of endangering our employees to the wrath of their supervisors. I would like a little more detail on that. How can we be sure employees will be protected? There must be an element of confidentiality or something in that to ensure that either the supervisor is not directly involved or that there is very close oversight. How will the department ensure that protection? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 78-16(1): Human Resource Issues In GNWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member right now is talking about a hypothetical situation. Employees that do find themselves in such a situation are encouraged to contact their senior management or to contact the department. We have invested a lot of time and effort to train investigators. We have a number of positions within the Department of Human Resources that have been trained to specifically deal with workplace conflict situations and also to conduct investigations into these types of situations. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Bromley.

Supplementary To Question 78-16(1): Human Resource Issues In GNWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to assure you that there is absolutely nothing hypothetical about the situation I am presenting. I understand that the department initiated a review towards considering whistleblower protection. Has this review resulted in the intention to develop such legislation? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 78-16(1): Human Resource Issues In GNWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My understanding is that the whistleblower initiative is geared to a much broader application whereby if individuals or employees see situations occurring which they feel is improper or that they can report on it. I think in this instance we are talking about specific situations on the job. In those cases, I would like to reassure the Member that we take them very seriously. The individuals in question, the information they provide, will be respected and their privacy will be accommodated. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Final supplementary, Mr. Bromley.

Supplementary To Question 78-16(1): Human Resource Issues In GNWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that assurance. It is a very serious subject with some of my constituents. The Government of Canada, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia all have whistleblower protection. I wasn’t clear on the answer. Are we moving forward with developing legislation in the form of whistleblower protection? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 78-16(1): Human Resource Issues In GNWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This issue came up in the previous government. A discussion paper was enacted. I believe there were 69 responses to the discussion paper. This is something that we will consider again as this government goes through establishing its priorities for the next four years. Thank you.