Mr. Speaker, I rise today on a point of privilege under Rule 20(1) to clarify a misunderstanding that has been created by a recent CBC Radio news report.
Mr. Speaker, upon hearing of this report, I was immediately concerned because I had not conducted any recent interviews with the CBC, nor had I made any direct statements relating to any new programs or initiatives that may have been included in the 1998-99 budget. As well, the budget contains no such funds and we are not planning any kind of campaign.
Upon investigation into the matter, I was informed the basis for this story was an interview I conducted with the CBC's Dave Miller in the first week of November, 1997 - almost three months ago. The focus of the interview was the unique demographics of the Northwest Territories - including population growth and the demand that these demographics place on the resources of the Department of Health and Social Services.
In that interview, in responding to a question on how the GNWT might be able to assist regional health boards who might want to tackle the issue head on with a communication campaign, I responded by referring to the strategic investment fund Cabinet had approved and the department was planning to establish, targeted at positioning health boards to develop health promotion initiatives and programs.
The story on January 16th used these comments and placed them in an improper context. This causes me great concern. I was not in Yellowknife on January 16th, nor was I contacted by the reporter to update or comment on this issue. Mr. Speaker, in my opinion the reporter's actions on this story were irresponsible and consequences of his actions have been far reaching and harmful. I have personally suffered from being misrepresented on the eve of the Finance Minister's Budget Address. The Department of Health and Social Services was caught completely off guard, and officials placed in a position of defending a program that does not exist. Members of this House have been misled about the plans and activities of our government, and the public has been left with the perception we have some solution to the rapid population growth.
As I recall, the original story on which the interview was based was well done. However, the subsequent actions of the reporter have overshadowed that initial work. This is not a wound that will easily heal, but hopefully with this point of privilege, we have set the record straight. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause