Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week we had occasion to have a number of banking officials and high power business people in the Legislative Assembly for the Budget Address. The MLAs were informed that after the Finance Minister's address we would have a break in order to meet and socialize with these bankers and business people, who would likely be involved in the Public/Private Partnership detailed in the budget. The MLAs and those in the gallery would enjoy this opportunity to speak with the power brokers.

Imagine the surprise of the MLAs and ordinary folk in the gallery when we left for the Great Hall with no one in sight from the banking community, the business community or the Finance Minister himself. Several MLAs and members of the public determined that there was a private meeting in the upstairs meeting room. When we attempted to join the meeting, we were advised that it was private. My way was blocked by the Minister's staff and one of his hired consultants. So we were left to socialize amongst ourselves in the Great Hall. Strange things are done in the land of the midnight sun, Mr. Speaker. I never did get a chance to meet these so-called bankers, and a leading local banker is quite furious because he was not even made aware of this meeting, and yet he is one of the ones, or his bank, who will ultimately have to deal with this issue. To me, the emotional debate in the House following the public/private reception was symbolism at its finest. You see, we extra-ordinary Members on this side of the House are partners in consensus government. We were not given access to those who are going to be players in the $200 million Public/Private Partnership, and that was what the great shrimp and kool aid debate was all about. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause