I stated in the House that the offer we put before the UNW in terms of pay equity and the collective agreement, we will maintain that $40 million, $25 million, $9 million and $6 million. However, given the emotions in this House and some of the concerns raised by Mr. Picco, Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Ootes, et cetera, about the need for us to look for new monies for education and for a variety of other issues, I do not know where we would find these new monies. Certainly, there is a large chunk of money put aside for pay equity and for collective bargaining. I would hope that we could keep it there until such time as we could reach a resolve. Sometimes I worry about the naivete, I hope I do not offend anybody by saying that when we talk about spending money cavalier, as if there are a money tree and bottomless pit out there. I would think that most people can read a balance sheet and income statement. The reality is there is a limit to the amount of money. There is a limit to the amount of flexibility for this government. I am not trying to be offensive here. I am trying to state a point of view. There is a limited amount of flexibility. We have worked extremely hard to identify what we think is a fair and reasonable settlement. The obvious solution to this, in my opinion, is to take the issue to the membership and allow them to vote. We have had a number of Members, right across the territories asking that to take place. The union indicates, I believe, they are not legally obligated and it would be against the law for them to do this. I say that is incorrect. I am advised by our justice bar that is absolutely incorrect. Take the matter to the membership. Let them vote on this fair offer. Let us get this issue, once and for all, off the table so we can continue to proceed with a balanced budget with a satisfied civil service, with a settlement of a ten-year issue and with planning to reassigning new monies in the new budgetary process, if it is education, health care, housing, pay equity, et cetera.
John Todd on Question 618-13(5): Resolution Of Collective Bargaining Impasse
In the Legislative Assembly on June 2nd, 1998. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 618-13(5): Resolution Of Collective Bargaining Impasse
Question 618-13(5): Resolution Of Collective Bargaining Impasse
Item 6: Oral Questions
June 1st, 1998
Page 1557
John Todd Keewatin Central
See context to find out what was said next.