Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think it is important, first of all, to say to the UNW to challenge them, to bring forward what they think is a fair, affordable settlement. We have put ours forward. I think it is fair; I think it is affordable and I believe with careful fiscal management of this government we can find the dollars, the $25 million in retroactivity and the $9 million on ongoing costs to our wages and benefits package. I challenge in a serious way and in a professional way instead of the kind of rhetoric words like insulting people, et cetera. I have spoken in this House frequently in a professional way, in an honest endeavour to reach a negotiated, fair, affordable settlement. I say to you today that what we have put on the table is what we can afford, nothing more, nothing less.
John Todd on Question 186-13(5): Union Of Northern Workers Position On Pay Equity
In the Legislative Assembly on February 3rd, 1998. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 186-13(5): Union Of Northern Workers Position On Pay Equity
Question 186-13(5): Union Of Northern Workers Position On Pay Equity
Item 6: Oral Questions
February 2nd, 1998
Page 514
John Todd Keewatin Central
See context to find out what was said next.