Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I feel like the Grinch, because my statement has nothing to do with Christmas. Today, I would like to make a statement regarding the proposed amalgamation of Transportation, Public Works and Services, and the NWT Housing Corporation. I have serious concerns about this proposed amalgamation. But I have bigger concerns with how this initiative is, apparently, transforming into reality, right before our eyes.

A motion was passed in the last session clearly outlining the need for this initiative to be debated in and approved by, this House. However, yesterday in the House, we had difficulty and complications in achieving the simple first step of having the discussion document tabled in the House. The Premier sited the process which we all agreed to as members when we were elected, which would see the review of decisions in committee on such things as budgets, amalgamations of departments, et cetera. When you consider the time lines and target dates for implementation of this amalgamation, the significance of the input of committees and ordinary members must be brought into question.

Lay-off notices to employees, who are associated with the user say/user pay initiative, have already gone out. Some components, minor as they are, of the supplementary appropriation are also association with user say/ user pay, which is part of the bigger issue of amalgamation. Mr. Todd tells us that these lay-off notices are the responsible and compassionate way to treat our public service employees. I am being very careful not to use the word irresponsible today here - responsible and compassionate - because I would not want to offend anyone. He also tells us that these lay-off notices can be retracted if we do not proceed with this initiative. I think that they are serious risks associated with such actions.

In summary, I would ask the government to observe the committee structure in the decision making process and the direction and motions passed in this House. For the record, neither committee or this House, has sanctioned the amalgamation of Transportation, Public Works and Services, and the Housing Corporation. I look forward to raising specific concerns in Committee of the Whole today. Thank you.

-- Applause