by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (June 2/97) - Finance Minister John Todd wants the Canadian Human Rights Commission to butt out of territorial business.

During question period Thursday, Todd said he was disappointed to hear comments on the GNWT's pay-equity battle made last week by chief commissioner Michelle Falardeau-Ramsay on a radio program.

"I don't think we should be negotiating this in the media. There's a dispute, but there is a desire to resolve the issue in a negotiated manner," said Todd, responding to questions from Thebacha MLA Mike Miltenberger.

Todd said his desire is to negotiate an "affordable and equitable" settlement with the Union of Northern Workers.

"Would the minister be willing to explore solutions outside of the legal process to avoid this huge issue of litigation which is going to suck up resources that are going to have to come from other areas?" asked Miltenberger.

Todd said the government's desire to negotiate with the union is hindered by the fact that the matter is now before the Supreme Court of Canada. But it is the government that has kept the matter before the courts, appealing two rulings that the commission does have jurisdiction in the territories.

Todd said the NWT does not need the Canadian Human Rights Commission because it already has legislation to ensure workers rights are protected.

"Our public servants have protection under GNWT legislation, namely the Fair Practices Act. The Fair Practices Act applies to all residents, everybody, not just civil servants. And it would be unconscionable for NWT public servants to fall under federal legislation and all other residents come under territorial legislation. That's our position."

According to Fair Practices officer Shirley Johnson, however, the Act does not apply to all residents.

"If you work downtown at the post office, you would be covered by the Canadian Human Rights Act," said Johnson. "If you work across the street at A&W you would be covered by the Fair Practices Act."

All federal employees are covered by the Canadian Human Rights Act, said Johnson.

The government has developed and implemented a gender-neutral job evaluation process, said Todd. It is planning on negotiating rates of pay with the union in the next few months.