Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, as some of the members have already stated, the amalgamation issue has been first and foremost since it was brought up for a topic several months ago. Like most of the members here, I expected the discussion paper to be tabled and given some debate. After considerable prodding it was documented and tabled yesterday and I do not think it gives us enough time to fully debate the merits of the amalgamation plan. For example, Mr. Chairman, some communities have regional housing offices in their smaller communities which provides much employment. Would those offices be closed down and those people be out of work?
In my riding, where I have the three regional offices of Transportation, Housing Corporation and Department of Public Works and Services, we might expect to see serious downsizing, reductions and lay-offs. I want to fully be able to debate and be briefed on this area before anything occurs so that I am properly representing the constituency where these lay-offs will occur.
I do not think we have enough time to properly do that because when the budget comes down in January it will be a major component of the deficit reduction plans of this government to do an amalgamation and, thus, we will be in a fait accompli situation.
I also note that in the discussion paper tabled yesterday and in the tabled document, there would be a process and an opportunity to involve all stakeholders. I would like to know what type of consultation with the stakeholders is going to be done. What is meant by extensive consultation? I am still unsure about that area, so I look forward today to hearing some more general comments from the members and then, some direct questions to the ministers involved in the amalgamation process. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.