Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I did not intend to make any comments on the committee's report, however, there seems to be some concern with respect to legislation for access to information. Mr. Chairman, as MLAs, we generally do not have a problem with respect to obtaining information. We generally find ways to get the information we need. I am sure the public has a different problem. During the year of the election, access to information was one of the things which faced many of us and the need was expressed to us by our constituents for access to information legislation. I made a commitment to my constituents that I would have this addressed in addition to the ombudsman. I think an ombudsman would be more effective for the people of the north. Because there is not an independent body that people can go to sometimes when you want something to be looked at independently, to get reviewed by the government, the government's own department reviews what they have done wrong. There is not one person who can look at things independently. I certainly support the concept of an ombudsman. There is no doubt about that.

However, with respect to the legislation for access to information. I think there are a couple of reasons why there were not many people at the public meetings. First of all, all of the committee hearings were held during the day. I do not think they were held in the evenings, if they were held in the evenings I do not know what they coincided with. In some communities you cannot compete with bingos, no matter what type of meeting you are trying to hold.

Secondly, I think many constituents expressed to us that they want this type of legislation and they rely on us to make sure it is formulated. Therefore, they do not want to continually go to public meetings to give examples as to why it has to be done. I recognize, as an MLA, that we have many different concerns and priorities, and different issues to be addressed. I think all we are asking for is to look at it as one of the priorities. I am sure that by the time we are finished this term, we would like to see the legislation in place. I do not believe it is telling the government to start on it tomorrow and get it developed and that we would like to see it in November. However, we would like to have a commitment from the government for them to look at the legislation, look at developing it and to get back to us with regard to a schedule as to when we will see legislation for access to information. Thank you.