YELLOWKNIFE (September 19, 2016) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is working on organizational restructuring proposals as part of ongoing efforts to ensure it remains on a fiscally sustainable path for the future. Proposals include the amalgamation of the departments of Public Works and Services (PWS) and Transportation (DOT) into a single infrastructure department and the merging of corporate services functions currently carried out by the departments of Executive, Finance, Human Resources, and Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations.

The proposed restructuring has been reflected in draft business plans shared with Legislative Assembly Standing Committees for review and input. Business plans will be finalized based on Committee input and will form the basis for the 2017-18 Main Estimates. Restructuring decisions will not be final until after the Legislative Assembly has considered and voted on the Main Estimates next winter.

Deputy Minister of Public Works and Services Paul Guy will lead planning activities for the proposed infrastructure department. Beginning April 1, 2017, Deputy Minister of Transportation Russell Neudorf will take on the role of Special Projects Advisor, continuing to contribute to the planning and development of transportation infrastructure until  his retirement from the GNWT in the fall of 2017. The Premier thanks Mr. Neudorf for his more than 20 years of distinguished public service in the GNWT.

Staff of the involved departments have been advised of the potential changes. Should they receive Legislative Assembly approval, proposed changes would take effect on April 1, 2017.

Quotes

“Our government needs to make sure it is living within its means so it can continue to provide the programs and services that NWT residents need. Taking a hard look at our structure and how we do business is an important part of ensuring we are living within our means and finding creative new ways of working together to better deliver programs and services within a shared mandate, while minimizing impacts on staff, clients and departmental objectives.”

- Bob McLeod, Premier

Quick Facts

• The GNWT previously announced plans to identify $150 million in expenditure and revenue measures as part of its fiscal strategy. Planning to continue this work in the 2017-18 fiscal year is now underway.
• A draft business plan for the proposed infrastructure department has been prepared for Standing Committee review. 
• Work continues to assess further restructuring, including the amalgamation of the existing functions of the Department of Human Resources with the Department of Finance, and the amalgamation of the existing functions of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations  with the Department of the Executive.
• Staff in all affected departments will be asked to provide input as planning processes continue to move forward.
• The shared corporate services function for the Departments of Executive, Human Resources, Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, and Finance would be administratively housed in the Department of Finance.
• The details and specifics of the new organizations are being developed and will be reflected in the 2017-18 Main Estimates for Legislative Assembly consideration.

Media Inquiries:

Andrew Livingstone
Senior Cabinet Communications Advisor
Department of the Executive                                                                                         
Government of the Northwest Territories
Box 1320 Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9                                                                                             
Tel: (867) 767-9140 ext. 11091
Cell: (867) 447-0443
Email: andrew_livingstone@gov.nt.ca
Web: www.gov.nt.ca