Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Many of my constituents have raised concerns to me over the proposed changes regarding the Public Service Act. I feel confident that this government has responded to many of the concerns raised by the elected leaders of the NWTTA and the Union of Northern Workers. I have the confidence that both parties can reach an agreement with the employer at the bargaining table as they have in the past.
As a government, we have to take the responsibility and be seen by all residents of the Northwest Territories to be fair and, more important, to be financial responsible as to our employees. That is why I'm optimistic that a negotiated settlement can be reached in all cases. This legislation represents a change and change is difficult but not impossible.
We have to conduct this government in a new way. We do not have the financial resources available today that we once had. If we are to continue in the present mode of spending, we would be bankrupt in short order. We have to get this government back to being run like a home by not spending more than we bring in. The past government has been like a child with a credit card; we have to take away that credit card, we have to live within our means.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to finish with a comment that I'm sure we're all familiar with and it goes like, "You're damned if you do and damned if you don't." I have been one of many on occasion, to criticize government for not taking action, for continually meeting and prolonging the process and yet, I hear criticism of the government when they do take action. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.