The point I am trying to make here -- obviously, I am not making it well enough -- is that may be exceptions around the rules. You cannot say that this has happened right across the board. If there is a specific project that the Member would like to discuss, ask a specific question of a Minister and the Minister will defend the decision, but you cannot generalize. That is the only point I am trying to make here about some of these concerns. If a Member has a concern about whatever project it is -- I know Mr. O'Brien's concern is with the health centre which we have talked about -- then be specific and we will try to endeavour to answer it. Of course, you do have an opportunity during the budget, which will be in January, to give the recommendations, et cetera, on the budget. That is all I am trying to say. I am a bit concerned about generalizations, that is all. We have all had to make adjustment in our thinking when it comes to capital budgets. Everybody has tried to do it in as fair and reasonable way a possible. I understand if a Member or a Minister has had some project moved out of their riding and they are not going to be happy about it. I understand that. But the reality is that there is less money, and somebody has to prioritize these things. That is what we do and we have to defend those decisions. That is what we are here to do. I want to keep this thing specific rather than general. That is what I am saying in this discussion. If there are some specific issues, then I think -- I know -- Ministers are prepared to discuss it.
John Todd on Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on October 2nd, 1996. See this statement in context.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
October 1st, 1996
Page 822
John Todd Keewatin Central
See context to find out what was said next.