Debates of March 30, 2023 (day 153)

Date
March
30
2023
Session
19th Assembly, 2nd Session
Day
153
Members Present
Hon. Diane Archie, Hon. Frederick Blake Jr., Mr. Bonnetrouge, Hon. Paulie Chinna, Ms. Cleveland, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Mr. Edjericon, Hon. Julie Green, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Martselos, Ms. Nokleby, Ms. Semmler, Hon. R.J. Simpson, Mr. Rocky Simpson, Hon. Shane Thompson, Hon. Caroline Wawzonek, Ms. Weyallon Armstrong
Topics
Statements

Representation in the Northwest Territories Public Service - Appeal Process for Public Service Positions, Carried

Mr. Chair, I move that this committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories establish uniform, clear, and accessible appeal process for public service positions that establishes a mechanism empowering priority 1 candidates with the ability and enough time to appeal a hiring decision before a job is offered to a nonpriority 1 candidate; operates independently and arm's length from government; and, an appeal body that is representative of the Indigenous population with a minimum Indigenous membership of 50 percent; clearly outlines how appeals can be requested and considered; contains clear terms of reference for fair and consistent appeal process; and, ensures availability and accessibility of the support by Indigenous staff of the diversity and inclusion unit to the Indigenous candidate. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The motion is in order. To the motion. MLA Inuvik Twin Lakes.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This is one thing that we heard that Indigenous employees, they don't even apply anymore because they feel that there's no process with the affirmative action and the appeals process, there's nothing that can help them even call out when there are injustices in the hiring process. So this is why we said before a P2 or a P3 is offered a position, and if there is a P1 candidate that was interviewed, passed an interview that didn't get the offer, that they are notified that a P2 you know, that they didn't get the offer to a P2 or a P3 because this has happened. There has been statements that come to us that this has happened because people say that the other you know, the Affirmative Action Policy is not done across the board in the territory the same way. And so this gives the opportunity for a P1 to appeal and then somebody outside that process that did the interviewing can look and make sure the process was done and if they followed a policy accordingly because under the policy if a P1 passes the interview, then they should be offered the job. There shouldn't be a P2 and a P3 that they're competing against. But this happens. It happens over and over again. So that's why this motion is there. And we want to make sure that we're doing what we said we were doing in this. So thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mahsi. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Speaker: SOME HON. MEMBERS

Question.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Abstentions? The motion is carried.

Carried

Member for Yellowknife North.