Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is interesting to note that some of the arguments that have been made -- I do not think that there is any sane, knowledgeable person in this Assembly that could or would want to give the impression that the intention of a special committee dealing with health and social issues is going to be a cadillac committee. The fact is that the financial circumstances do not allow us to become a cadillac committee. At the same time we all have

to appreciate, I believe, the serious problems that we have generally in our communities in these two areas.

I think that one of the problems that we have had for many years is that we have not sought the advice or at least listened to the people when they have given us, what I consider, good advice as to how we could deal with social issues. I think that our own attempts previously, in establishing special committees, have always been immediately after elections. The special committee on education was formed in our first session, the special committee on housing was formed in our first session, so there is nothing magic about the idea of allowing a new Minister to get to know his department and not at the same time establish a special committee to go and seek other advice as to how and what solutions those people might give in helping that new Minister in future, and our government in future, address some of the more serious social problems that we have.

Maybe if the government would have listened to me the first time when we talked about the transfer for health, maybe we would not have the $31 million deficit that we have now. But I think I was not trying at that time to stop the idea of taking on more responsibilities, but clearly indicating that I was not happy with the agreement as it was. I think sometimes you have to say, "I told you so." Maybe this is the only opportunity I will give. Maybe I will get more when we deal with Health.

In terms of dealing with not only dealing with the social problems, but I think there is a real need for us to address the health matters. I think that a great deal of some of the social problems that we have cause us significant expenditures on the health side and I think that it would be in our interest to review how all the social problems that we are encountering, the social issues that we have to address, interrelate to a point where the problems we are encountering in every one, result in failure in other areas. I just want to tell you that I am prepared to support the motion.

I know there is a suggestion that is being made not to proceed with the terms of reference at this time. My only concern with that is that we are establishing a committee generally with no direction and if the attempt is to remove the terms of reference and say we will talk about it at a later time, then what is the purpose of setting up a special committee at this time with no terms of reference. That is my only concern. I think if the attempt is that yes we agree to establish the committee, lay that out and agree to that fundamental principle and agree then to seek the advice and input and the agreement of all Members that we will agree to establish, along with the financing, that issue. I have no problem with that. But I really believe that the principle of establishing the special committee has to be agreed to now and then we can work on the other issues. But I think that that is important. And whatever happens between now and the next session is something we can deal with. But it must be established.