Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Finance reviewed Bill 14, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 1992-93, during its meetings on December 2 and 7, 1992. The committee was pleased that the Minister of Finance and his officials were able to meet with us to answer some of our questions. Mr. Chairman, a large portion of this supplementary appropriation pertains to the decentralization initiative announced by the Government Leader during the June session of this House.
Several Members of the committee have expressed concerns about the entire decentralization initiative. In particular, they are concerned that there has not been an adequate review of the initiative by this Assembly. As a result, the Members of the committee may have additional comments concerning funding for the decentralization initiative as they arise. In addition, Mr. Chairman, several Members of the committee have concerns about the process used to provide funding for salary increases for community based alcohol and drug programs.
As the Members are aware, increases in salaries for these workers were first recommended by the Standing Committee on Finance during its review of the 1992-93 Main Estimates. The Members of the committee are concerned that this funding may be insufficient to adequately compensate these essential workers. The Members of the committee would have preferred a more thorough review of these increases prior to the introduction of this supplementary appropriation.
Mr. Chairman, due to the limited time the committee had to review this bill, several specific concerns remain outstanding. Members of the committee may have questions on the specifics of the bill during the line by line review of this bill today.
Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee agreed at its meeting on December 7, 1992, to refer this bill to the Committee of the Whole for discussion. Mahsi.