Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in this Assembly, we have heard much said about accountability. During the June 30th committee of the whole review of the Department of the Executive, some questions on accountability went across to the Premier.

The Premier's response, and I quote from page 864 of the unedited Hansard:

"That is exactly what it is we are trying to do and to make sure that in four years, those of us that wish to do so can go to the polls with absolute confidence that we have done a great job. That is the greatest accountability of all."

Following that, Mr. Speaker, I questioned the Premier, and I quote from page 867 of the unedited Hansard: "I would like the Premier to state what his definition of accountability is." And on the same page of the unedited Hansard, he started off by saying: "Thank you. I am going to ask for a dictionary so I can give them something that is universally accepted as a definition of accountability."

Mr. Speaker, he did not grab that dictionary to give me a definition, so I have done it here. From the Miriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th edition, "accountability: the quality or state of being accountable; an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility; or to account for one's actions. "

Following that, the definition of accountable: "subject to giving an account; answerable; capable of being accounted for; explainable."

Mr. Speaker, we have had many questions during committee of the whole in discussion of departments' budgets and so on. Departments have provided some information. Some of that information draws concern, Mr. Speaker, as to the following of policies and guidelines of government. With that, Mr. Speaker, when the appropriate time comes, I will be asking the Premier and his Ministers about accountability. Thank you.

-- Applause