Thank you, Madam Chairperson. With regard to the whole question about the constituency assistants, I think the points which have been made are good in order to attract good employees and to keep these employees for a number of years so that you have consistency. We have to look at the
Page 530 overall area of exactly what is the fair price on the market for attracting assistants in different areas, especially in trying to find someone for $28,000 or $29,000 and to keep them for four years. I believe it is going to be awfully attractive in regard to the ability to serve not only the communities you represent, but to assist the Member while the House is sitting. Something has to be done to look at the whole issue to try to find a compromise so that when we do find good people, we are able to keep them.
Madam Chairperson, on another matter, in regard to the whole question of official languages in this House. We have cutbacks in regard to the different aboriginal languages that are presently being offered, especially TVNC when we are broadcasting in different official languages. We have to keep in mind that a lot of the people we represent are illiterate and they feel more comfortable hearing an item being discussed in their aboriginal language and being able to grasp what is being said than to hear it in English where it is a foreign language in which a lot of items are discussed. They do not really understand the topics, but I believe that it is one of the fundamental items we have in regard to the Official Languages Act, which has been passed by this government to ensure that the public is offered the opportunity to not only speak their language in different public places, but also to be able to hear procedures that do go on within the government in their official languages. In light of that, we should consider to take another look at that matter, along with implementing some of the initiatives or ideas that have been put forth to this Assembly in regard to the Language Commissioner's Annual Reports to this Assembly identifying certain items to be carried out so that we are aware of the concerns.
We have to take the time to get a feel for what the public is thinking in regard to the way that procedures in the House are being presently conducted in regard to the television time where a lot of items are being said up front, but there are a lot of other issues which we deal with at other times, such as in committee of the whole or through motions and petitions, in which a lot of these items are missed. We should also take a look at that item.
The other concern I have is in relation to the turnover of the staff of the Legislature, especially in regard to the research people we have and attracting people that we have had in the past. We have seen a lot of people leave in that particular area where they have put a lot of effort and hard work into their jobs to keep us informed on the different issues or researching different matters on behalf of the Members. I would like to thank those individuals who have assisted us in the past and who are no longer here. Also, keep in mind, in that area too, we have to be able to attract good people and keep them. The Legislature should look at that matter. Overall, in conclusion, I would like to thank the Speaker, along with Mr. Hamilton and his staff for assisting myself in this House. Thank you, very much.