Yes, Mr. Chairman, just to make the comment that, in my view, when the unions agreed to zero per cent, that did not keep up with the rate of inflation. I think we have to keep in mind that all around us across this country the other governments, provincial governments, are in very serious financial situations and there are lay offs and cutbacks happening and suggestions of revisiting agreements that were just recently made. I do not know that our employees are totally aware of how tough the financial situations are that the governments across this country find themselves in. So far, we have managed to do many things to try to be economic in our use. It has been tough on certain groups but I think the union has to realize there is limited money. Until that message sinks in, the ability to negotiate realistically is going to be very limited. Hopefully, time will get the message to everyone that we have very limited means in which to continue to live as we live. We have to be creative, some of us have to make sacrifices and the things we want for Christmas this year might have to wait for one or two years. That is the message. Perhaps we live in an insulated world up here and we do not have that much time. I really hope the message gets across. Thank you.
Stephen Kakfwi on Committee Motion 108-12(3): To Adopt Recommendation 20
In the Legislative Assembly on March 17th, 1993. See this statement in context.
Committee Motion 108-12(3): To Adopt Recommendation 20
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
March 16th, 1993
Page 992
See context to find out what was said next.