Well I mean, I would suggest to my honourable colleague and I believe his intentions are honourable, but I do not think that this is the way in which to say to the government I want to ensure that this policy goes into effect. I do not make policy statements idly. The decision to do what we are doing was done as part of our budget strategy. It is going to take some time to work out the details et cetera and it is not the intent to delay it. So I appreciate that my honourable colleague from Tuktoyaktuk is with us on this issue, but it is an issue that could be raised in the House and asked for the Minister to present the plan when it unfolds but it should not be an issue to hold up the budget, so I ask my Cabinet colleagues if they will support me, and as they will and we will vote against this motion. But I want to assure my colleagues in the House today, that it is our full intention to try to do exactly what we have said and I want to reassure my colleague who obviously supports our initiative, that it is going to happen. I cannot see the deal happen tomorrow. It is our intent to move as quickly as possible, to look at the fiscal ramifications, the operational requirements that are necessary to move this over and we will do it as I have said. I do not see where trying to hold up the budget really is the appropriate strategy to ensure that this government moves forward on a budget initiative, supported by Cabinet and the FMB and this House. So I would ask my colleague's indulgence if he would be prepared to withdraw the motion. If he would, with the assurances that I am going to move quickly on this initiative and will provide him with the full details of how we are going to go about it in the coming weeks? Thank you.
John Todd on Committee Motion 9-13(4): To Defer Consideration Of The Program Summary: Financial Management Board Secretariat In The Department Of The Executive
In the Legislative Assembly on February 6th, 1997. See this statement in context.
Committee Motion 9-13(4): To Defer Consideration Of The Program Summary: Financial Management Board Secretariat In The Department Of The Executive
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 6th, 1997
Page 463
John Todd Keewatin Central
See context to find out what was said next.