Thank you, Mr. Speaker. While the short answer is no, let me repeat again, the reality is that the $100 million less spending on public infrastructures taking place over the last two years. If that trend continues, we will not be able to meet the minimum demands that have been placed upon us by our constituencies. Hence, the reason why some of us have taken the time to look at what other jurisdictions are doing. It is not like this is some new, foreign idea. The reality is that we are in the same situation as some of the Maritime Provinces are. I think the recent big project was the Prince Edward Island bridge. Schools, correctional facilities, hospitals, most have-not provinces are looking at ways and means in which to continue with the level of public infrastructure which has been demanded by the constituency and finding new ways to amortize the cost. That is really what we are about here and I would suggest to my honourable colleague, we will not be able to continue down this road, of reduced expenditure and meet the kind of demands we have for infrastructure, whether it is, as I said, schools, hospitals, roads, et cetera. That is why we are looking at this creative public/private partnership, and hence, the reason why I need changes as I will be bringing forward today to the Financial Administration Act, to make sure that this government can carry on and meet its obligations, not just this year, but in the coming years and the two new governments. Thank you.
John Todd on Question 1-13(5): Public Infrastructure Financing
In the Legislative Assembly on October 21st, 1997. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 1-13(5): Public Infrastructure Financing
Question 1-13(5): Public Infrastructure Financing
Item 6: Oral Questions
October 20th, 1997
Page 10
John Todd Keewatin Central
See context to find out what was said next.