Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I have one specific question at this point, an issue I would like the Premier to speak to, plus some issues I will touch on as we get into a more detailed review of the budget.

Overall, our main concern about the growth in the budget at the headquarters level at a time when I have indicated repeatedly in the House, communities are expected to embrace some cuts, or at the very least having to hold the line in spite of rising costs.

The one issue I would like the Premier to speak to is the issue of accountability. He references it on page 2 of his opening comments. I look at that, and I look at his comments to me in the House on June 22, 2000, where he indicated there is no clear, measurable way by which to make this government, Ministers and deputy ministers, accountable. It is an issue that has caused me some significant concern. I have asked every Minister that has appeared before the House to speak to the issue. As a Premier and head of the Executive, I would like the Premier to speak to that issue. If there is no clear, measurable way to achieve accountability, how does he intend to address that issue as Premier? Thank you.