Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Finance. It is regarding his return to oral questions from yesterday. We have talked extensively in this House about the need to treat employees fairly and with respect. Earlier today, I heard the Minister of Finance indicate that while no actual lay-offs prior to the approval of the budget, employees could receive notices of possible lay-offs in anticipation of this approval. The minister has also indicated that no decisions will be made or actions taken until this House approves a budget but the input of members may still affect the end result. This means there could be employees who are told that they will be probably laid off and then, if members of this House, do not support that move, we will tell them after a few weeks of concern on their part, that, by the way, now you have a job again.
Could the minister confirm that employees may receive lay-off notices who may not actually be laid off? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.