Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not think anyone can argue with the intent of the motion, the whereas elaborated by my colleague from Yellowknife North. While I support the intent of the motion, it is very clear that this is a halfway motion, a feel good motion as my colleague from Iqaluit implied. We are asking for decisions to be made but we give no specifics. Where does the money come from? We do not want to add to the deficit. Where do we take money from? Do we take it from transportation or the pay equity budget that is on the table? Do we shut down other initiatives? Do we limit our capital expenditures on hospitals or schools? I support the intent and the need to find more money for education; however, whether it is possible this year, I do not know. Very clearly we have abrogated our responsibilities somewhat when we ask Cabinet to make all those hard decisions to find us 6 percent which is about $18 million. The intent is clear, I think, this has been a priority of this Assembly It is sort of a lame kind of motion. While the intent is noble, I think, we have not given enough substance for Cabinet to do anything, but as Mr. Picco says, to take it as a recommendation and put it on the list of priorities. If we do not deal with it this time, for sure, with the next business planning session it will become an issue. This year, most initiatives are underway and I, for one, would want to be consulted before I find out they have moved huge chunks of money from one part of the budget to another to try to meet this concern. There are priorities in all areas competing for scarce funds, so I will be supporting the motion, Mr. Speaker, recognizing its shortcomings, but the intent is noble. Thank you.
Michael Miltenberger on Motion 18-13(5): Support For Additional Funding For Education
In the Legislative Assembly on June 1st, 1998. See this statement in context.
Motion 18-13(5): Support For Additional Funding For Education
Item 16: Motions
May 31st, 1998
Page 1525
See context to find out what was said next.