In the Legislative Assembly on September 22nd, 1998. See this topic in context.

Question 68-13(6): Economic Strategy Initiatives
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 135

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Finance, again with respect to the economic strategy. Just to remind the Minister the outstanding commitments we have received so far, which we are awaiting on are the tabling of proposal in the House and any documentation indicating the budget associated with this strategy.

Mr. Speaker, the economic strategy sounds like a road map, tying together the numerous worthwhile initiatives the Minister has outlined. For example, the possibility of a new tax window, an economic development agreement, infrastructure to resources, et cetera, but I am still very concerned that this diagram or road map or overview is a very costly exercise. I hear what the Minister says, that we have to spend money on the front end to get it on the back end, but what I would like to ask the Minister today is, how many of these initiatives are directly dependant on funding, based on the outcome or the findings of this strategy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 68-13(6): Economic Strategy Initiatives
Item 6: Oral Questions

September 21st, 1998

Page 135

The Deputy Speaker John Ningark

Thank you. The Minister for the Financial Management Board, Mr. Todd.

Return To Question 68-13(6): Economic Strategy Initiatives
Question 68-13(6): Economic Strategy Initiatives
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 135

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will endeavour to get to my colleague as I did the other day, as quickly as possible, the answer to the question she raised and I could not answer the other day as quickly as I can. I am really confused. I think what my colleague is saying is the strategy we are putting in place and the monies we are spending, which I disagree with her on, I think it is money well spent, is that expenditure critical to get into the tax window and to get into some of these other initiatives. I think that is what being said. I believe it is, Mr. Speaker.

We have simply got to build the case and document and coordinate an overall approach to the federal government. It is no different than spending $2 million on a road strategy. Mr. Antoine simply has got to take a look at the technical aspects of it, the feasibility aspects of it, the political aspect of it, et cetera. It is no different than what we are doing here.

With all due respect to my colleague, I disagree. I think this money is well spent. From what I have seen so far, in my discussions with the public and the response I had, as early as today, the numerous phone calls I have got, there seems to be support for it and it is money being well spent. Now I hope I have been able to answer the question. Thank you.

Return To Question 68-13(6): Economic Strategy Initiatives
Question 68-13(6): Economic Strategy Initiatives
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 135

The Deputy Speaker John Ningark

Thank you. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 68-13(6): Economic Strategy Initiatives
Question 68-13(6): Economic Strategy Initiatives
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 135

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, is this strategy, in fact, not primarily a direction for use within this government to show the inter- relationship

between these various initiatives? Mr. Todd refers to the road study. I believe that is $2 million committed from funds in this government to conduct that investigation and so I do not see the direct correlation, except for showing how it ties in, what the relationship is between the results of this strategy and for example, the $2 million you refer to, to look at the expansion of roads infrastructure? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 68-13(6): Economic Strategy Initiatives
Question 68-13(6): Economic Strategy Initiatives
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 136

The Deputy Speaker John Ningark

Thank you. Mr. Todd.

Further Return To Question 68-13(6): Economic Strategy Initiatives
Question 68-13(6): Economic Strategy Initiatives
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 136

John Todd Keewatin Central

Mr. Speaker, I am extremely reluctant, as everybody knows in this House, to take questions as notice, but I better take this one as notice and have a discussion with my honourable colleague so I can fully understand what she requires, and be able to provide in the House, exactly what she is requiring because at this stage of the game, with all due respect, I thought I had explained it. So I will take the question as notice.

Further Return To Question 68-13(6): Economic Strategy Initiatives
Question 68-13(6): Economic Strategy Initiatives
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 136

The Deputy Speaker John Ningark

Thank you. The question has been taken as noticed. Oral questions. Mr. Henry.