(February 27, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to confirm that the Government of the Northwest Territories’ new Reservist leave policy allows public service employees to take unpaid time off to serve with the Canada Reserve Force, part of the Canadian Forces.

The Canadian Reserve Force is made up of volunteers who serve with the Canadian military while maintaining civilian jobs or studies. Reservists have made substantial contributions to Canada’s domestic and international operations and the number of Reservists in service has grown significantly across the country. The number of NWT reservists has increased almost ten-fold since the C Company, the primary army reserve unit in Yellowknife, was established in 2008.

Northerners have had a long association with the Reserves, particularly through the Canadian Rangers. Easily recognized by their red sweatshirts and caps, the Canadian Rangers have played an important role since 1947. They assist with sovereignty and surveillance patrols, search and rescue operations, responses to emergencies, and advancing public recognition of the North’s First Nations, Inuit and Metis people.

Mr. Speaker, this government recognizes the valuable skills that Reservist employees bring to the public service. Their military training provides them with unique experience in leadership, planning, management and in specialized technical fields. Public service employees who volunteer with the Reserves are able to take up to 15 days of unpaid leave for training with the military and longer periods as required for domestic and international deployments. These entitlements are consistent with those provided to private sector employees through amendments to the Employment Standards Act made during the 16^th Legislative Assembly.

Our government will support members of the public service to serve with the Canadian Forces. I would like to thank our Reservists for their contributions to the public service, to our communities and to Northern Canada.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.