Thank you, Mr. Chairman. These proposed amendments to the Public Service Act are very significant. I am very concerned that no one has had much opportunity to study this bill or have a chance to have input. Although the Standing Committee on Government Operations did have some opportunity to review the bill, there hasn't been very much time available.
Mr. Chairman, I also know that many of my constituents are concerned about this bill and they have called or sent their concerns to me. They have asked for more time before the bill is passed. So, Mr. Chairman, I am concerned with the process. Mr. Chairman, I know we are facing very difficult financial times. I have heard the clear message from the Premier that the wages and benefits of our public servants must be looked at. I think many of my constituents understand this. However, they would like to have some opportunity to have input. Introducing a major bill on Friday and passing it the following Wednesday seems like a big rush. I wish there had been more time allowed by the government for the public input and debate. Mr. Chairman, this bill allows for the right to strike and gives the Minister significant new powers over the employees.
I sincerely hope that if this bill passes, it will not be necessary that we go through a strike or that the Minister must exercise these new powers. I believe in the collective bargaining process. As a former teacher, I was quite impressed with the concessions the NWTTA made in recent years in recognition of the government's difficult financial situation. I hope that even in the current climate of extreme concern and anxiety amongst the public servants in my constituency, the collective bargaining process can be allowed to work.
If both parties approach these negotiations in good faith and with a spirit of compromise, it should be possible to reach agreement. Even in this financially difficult time, I know there are strong concerns about this bill. I am not sure that passing it in a hurry will encourage the good faith bargaining we all wish to see occur in the near future.
For these reasons, Mr. Chairman, I have decided that I cannot support Bill 2 at this time. I will be asking for a recorded vote. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.