Thank you, Madam Premier. Madam Premier, I rise today on behalf of the Ordinary Members' Caucus. Madam Speaker, pardon me. In December, following the mid-term review, the Ordinary Members' Caucus gave a report on the performance of Ministers. One Minister, Rebecca Mike, was placed on probation. We advised, Madam Speaker, that "Members are expecting a dramatic improvement in her performance by the time this House reconvenes for the budget session a few months from now. If that improvement is not
evident, Members will consider removing Ms. Mike from the Cabinet at that time."
Throughout the session, ordinary Members have discussed Ms. Mike's performance since the review. Although there has been some limited improvement in her performance, Members remain unconvinced that she is demonstrating the level of competence expected of Cabinet Ministers in the House. Members have also expressed concern about the distribution of work-load among Ministers. It appears that Ms. Mike carries a very light work-load compared to other Ministers.
The Premier has said that she assigned portfolios based upon what each Minister can handle without being overwhelmed. As ordinary Members have noted in this House, there are Ministers carrying very large portfolios. Members are pleased with their effort and performance in handling the extra work. However, although some Ministers are carrying very heavy work-loads, the Premier has indicated to the Ordinary Members' Caucus that she is unwilling to give Ms. Mike any additional responsibilities.
Members are not satisfied with this response. Members believe that Ministers should be equal partners and, if they wish to remain on Cabinet, should carry their fair share. For a number of years, Ministers have been required to give the Premier signed, but undated, resignation letters. This has given the Premier the ability to deal with any Minister whose performance is not satisfactory. In meeting with the Premier yesterday...