Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the chairperson of the ordinary Members committee, I have taken the responsibility to advise the government that on November 15, 1991, the Government Leader indicated a commitment, and I quote: "...to a more open style of government and greater ordinary Member involvement in decision-making."
Yesterday, Mr. Speaker, the Government Leader read a statement entitled "Living Within Our Means" and advised the Members of this House of significant changes to the organization of this government, such as the consolidation of the petroleum, oils and lubricants program under the NWT Power Corporation. After announcing these major changes, the Government Leader subsequently tabled the Beatty report in this House.
Mr. Speaker, although the ordinary Members of this House generally support the Beatty report, we are concerned with some of the recommendations. There was no discussion and no opportunity for their views to be known or expressed prior to the announcement yesterday. And if this government is truly dedicated to a more open style of government, it would have provided the ordinary Members of this House an opportunity to express those concerns prior to announcing its recommendations in the House yesterday.
Due to these recent developments, Mr. Speaker, the ordinary Members of this House feel that the intention of the Government Leader is contradictory to the Government Leader's statement on a more open style of government. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.