Yes, I understand what the Premier is saying, Mr. Chairman. I believe the shortfall that the Standing Committee on Finance tried to identify with the new process is that there don't seem to be Cabinet committees that are doing political screening of proposals before they get to FMB and the Cabinet table. It is the bureaucracy, this much-strengthened, much centralized, all-powerful bureaucracy, that is doing the screening and evaluation. Ministers have input when the matter gets to the Cabinet table, but not before. So, it is an all or nothing thing in Cabinet. The Ministers don't necessarily even know what has not made it to the agenda from their colleagues because the screening is done by the bureaucracy, undoubtedly, most competently, but perhaps without the kind of political sensitivity that is required, particularly in a consensus government. That is the concern, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
Dennis Patterson on Committee Motion 3-12(5): To Adopt Recommendation No. 3, Carried
In the Legislative Assembly on February 17th, 1994. See this statement in context.
Committee Motion 3-12(5): To Adopt Recommendation No. 3, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 16th, 1994
Page 203
Dennis Patterson Iqaluit
See context to find out what was said next.