Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to be very clear, specifically my comments relate to pay equity, they do not relate to the other issue. I would suggest to you that I can draft a letter saying to the UNW President, Ms. Jackie Simpson, "are you prepared to come to the table?" I understand it will be entering into new negotiations fairly soon, probably late August or the fall, and I would hope that would be one part of the negotiations. Now I cannot preempt any discussions on that but I will certainly discuss the matter with my deputy, Mr. Voytilla and I am prepared to take some initiative here but it has to be conditional. Again, I emphasize to everybody, we spent 18 months of pure agony and not only in this House but the public at large. If it is affordable and it is equitable, I am prepared to come to the table. If it is unrealistic and it is pie in the sky, I am simply not. Thank you.
John Todd on Question 503-13(4): Pay Equity Dispute Resolution
In the Legislative Assembly on May 30th, 1997. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 503-13(4): Pay Equity Dispute Resolution
Question 503-13(4): Pay Equity Dispute Resolution
Item 6: Oral Questions
May 29th, 1997
Page 1224
John Todd Keewatin Central
See context to find out what was said next.