Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee on Resource Management Development is generally pleased with the Mid-Year Activity Report submitted by the departments in this envelope: Transportation, Safety and Public Services, Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. Members noted that projects seemed to be moving on at a reasonable pace, and that initiatives or strategies undertaken by the departments are being carried out for the most part, in a timely fashion.
Members have noted, however, that strategies and initiatives are being implemented prior to the Committee having a chance to review them. For example, dismantling of the Department of Safety and Public Works was not introduced to the Committee prior to the implementation of this initiative. Information on the dismantling was first provided to the Standing Committee during the Mid-Term Review, well after the strategy had been implemented. Members noted, Mr. Speaker, that this was contrary to the committee process, and counter to open government. Members would therefore like reassurances from the government that the committee process will not be circumvented in the future.
In addition, Members recommended that the government consult with the Standing Committee on Strategies and Initiatives before asking from input from ordinary Members. Mr. Speaker, that concludes my remarks on the Standing Committee of Resource Management and Development Report on the 1996/97 Mid-Year Activity Review.