Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Minister just confirmed what I just stated. It has been happening for years. I think the department should have a look at it, especially with this new initiative of devolving responsibility to community economic development corporations. They have a hard enough time financially. They should not be burdened with having to compete with regional centres that are still government-run for equipment.
We are talking about the morale of the men and women working for these organizations. If they see one community having better equipment than they do, that is going to affect their morale. It is also going to affect the quality of the job they do.
I think it is a problem. I have been approached by one of my communities and have been told this is happening. I would just like to make the Minister aware of that.
Another issue of concern with fire suppression and emergency firefighters, I am wondering if the pay scale has changed in the last number of years. Can the Minister answer that for me? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.