Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Honourable Joe Handley has indicated in this House, the Government of the Northwest Territories has the potential to receive one-time, unforecasted revenue of more than $100 million.

This revenue is to be spread out over the last fiscal year and the current year. The unexpected money we have received is the one-time corporate tax revenue and a formula financing agreement with the federal government. While this has temporarily improved the immediate cash flow position, and I congratulate our Finance Minister for resolving the formula financing issue, I do have a concern.

The problem is we MLAs have no say in how those unexpected monies are spent. We only get to see how it is spent after the fact. If we receive unforecasted revenues, there should be a plan in place on how to use the money. Instead, what is happening is that the MLAs are being bypassed like a leaky storm drain.

Mr. Speaker, when I do up my income tax, I expect a certain amount back. I do not know exactly how much it might be, but I can look at my options. Like a game show contestant, Mr. Speaker, I might look at a vacation or choose to get a new set of tires, or I may want to pick new living room furniture. In other words, a plan for unexpected revenues.

Mr. Speaker, there needs to be a plan in place for unforeseen revenues. It should involve all MLAs in the decision-making process, and that is in advance, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

-- Applause