Certainly, that is the intention. I have indicated, with the support of my Cabinet colleagues, as the Finance Minister, that we intend to remain on course for a balanced budget which the populous and future generations expect us to do. It certainly would be our intent to manage our money from within; as I said earlier, to look at some of the surpluses we might have and some of the supplementary reserves that we put in place. I keep my fingers crossed every day, when I come to work, and I look to see if there is any smoke out there. I am, quite frankly, nervous that Mr. Kakfwi will be coming in and saying, hey, Mr. Finance Minister, I need another $20 million for forest fires. Mr. Kakfwi has an obligation to keep those under control. We have an obligation to balance the budget, but these kinds of unanticipated expenditures worry me sometimes. It is going to take some careful management. It is going to take a little bit of luck at the end of the day in terms of fires and a number of other things that are out there. I am fairly confident we are on track, as long as we have the support of our colleagues here, recognize that no new spending of no other dollars that we do not have, does not occur, and we will be able to do this and still maintain the level of services and a balanced budget in March 31, 1999. Thank you.
John Todd on Question 522-13(5): Pay Equity Settlement Funding
In the Legislative Assembly on May 22nd, 1998. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 522-13(5): Pay Equity Settlement Funding
Question 522-13(5): Pay Equity Settlement Funding
Item 6: Oral Questions
May 21st, 1998
Page 1356
John Todd Keewatin Central
See context to find out what was said next.