Mr. Speaker, when the 14th Assembly was first elected and sat down in our first Caucus to look at what our ideas and our values and our priorities and our visions were going to be, we talked to some extent about communication. We set out in our vision document, Towards a Better Tomorrow, a certain way of expressing what we wanted to do. We said: "We will consider your input, build on the framework and develop a comprehensive action plan."

We say, Mr. Speaker, that we will be a more open and transparent government and in all aspects, we say to people that we want to hear from you, the public, the stakeholders in our society, in our economy.

What do we want to hear, Mr. Speaker? Do we want confirmation only that we are doing the right thing? Do we want to hear from the public, the stakeholders that there is support for what we are doing and that there is only one way -- our way? Or are we prepared to hear more contrary or alternative viewpoints and give them the consideration and inclusion, Mr. Speaker, that they are due?

The dictionary defines consultation as to ask the advice or the opinion of, to deliberate together or confer. There is action and energy in the process. It is a two-way street, I would assert, Mr. Speaker.

I am particularly concerned about this government's consultation process and approach. The concern is illustrated in one citizen's comments in reference to a recent committee hearing, "My overall impression is one of a government that has quit consulting with its citizens. It announces and defends new initiatives. I feel stonewalled."

Mr. Speaker, we have seen the results of this approach with a couple of major pieces of legislation. We have a couple more big ones coming in, specifically the Human Rights Act and the Wildlife Act, that I know are going to be contentious and should be well-heard and well-debated.

Mr. Speaker, in looking at how this government has consulted on major initiatives, it is clear that a better understanding and process for consultation is needed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.