Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, regarding the comments of my colleagues, I feel it is important that this government take these points seriously, especially in the area of affirmative action, ensuring we meet those goals.
One of the big arguments we hear from the government is that people do not have the training to take on the area of management. Yet, Mr. Speaker, in the 1999-2000 fiscal year budget, there was $619,000 identified for public service training to allow aboriginal people within government to take training so they can get the senior management jobs.
Mr. Speaker, I find it appalling that in relation to the $619,000 that was identified $403,000 of that money was lapsed. That is uncalled for, especially when the argument we are hearing from government is that people are under-trained and they do not have the expertise. I find it hard to sit here and say we are not making an effort to meet those goals we have set, which is a policy of this government, and has been here for several years. This issue has been around for as long as I can remember. I believe that something has to be done. We cannot allow dollars such as this to be lapsed, which could be better spent ensuring aboriginal people in government receive training and have the ability to move up the ladder so they can take on positions in senior management in the upper branch of government.
Mr. Speaker, I will be asking questions to the appropriate Minister on this matter. Thank you.
-- Applause