Mr. Speaker, I have said we have the initial criteria, which I have explained to the Members. I am waiting for any further input. I said I would have that completed by the end of this week. I hope that early next week, we can say, "Here is what the criteria is that we put together based on our assessment and your advice." Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Handley. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Finance, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, as I said in answer to Mr. Bell's question, we have been hearing over the past year from people on the other side about the need to do something to help people with the rising cost of energy. So we have listened. As I said, it has been discussed on a number of occasions over the past year, so we have been hearing from people.

This program is fairly simple, fairly straightforward. It is one-time funding. It is meant to help people who are having difficult circumstances. I do not think it is fair for us to sit here for months trying to refine this little strategy, leaving people out there wondering if they will ever see a cheque. I want to get those cheques out, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Handley. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Mr. Speaker, I want to make it clear that I have applauded this government for coming up with this policy and I have never failed to compliment the government whenever good work is done. However, I believe it is our job to try to make this as good as possible. Mr. Speaker, would he not agree that he has been hearing noises from the Members, but he is not at all listening to any advice whatsoever? Would he say yes or no? Would he agree to that?

Thank you, Ms. Lee. A bit of a different question there, Mr. Handley. The honourable Minister responsible for Finance, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, I heard two questions. I will answer both of them. Mr. Speaker, in Ms. Lee's wording, yes, I have been hearing noises from the Members on the other side. Second question, am I listening? Definitely I am listening and I am hearing what people are saying. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Handley. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, but does he consciously take into consideration the advice he hears from the Members? Does it at all matter, Mr. Speaker?

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Finance, Mr. Handley.

These are very interesting questions, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I consciously take into consideration anything that I hear. Thank you.

Your final supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that he is not at all listening to any of the suggestions that we are making.

He is practicing his "my way or the highway" strategy. Could he please change his position and come to a full consultation with the Members in this House?

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Finance, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, I do not know what I can do to convince the Member. I have told her I hear what people are saying. She does not believe me. She apparently does not trust what I say or does not believe what I say. All I can say, Mr. Speaker, is I am hearing what the Members are saying. I am waiting until the end of this week to get all the information I can. I am going to get that program out as quickly as I can and the money into the hands of the people who need it.

That is simple, Mr. Speaker. That is all I am going to do. I really want to help people who need that money. I do not want to have prolonged debates here on this very simple issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Merci, Mr. Minister. The time for question period is over. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Item 9, replies to opening address. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 13, tabling of documents. Item 14, notices of motion. Item 15, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 16, motions. Item 17, first reading of bills. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Minister Antoine. The motion is in order. The Chair does not recognize a quorum. Mr. Clerk, would you sound the bell?

-- Bells ringing

The Chair recognizes a quorum. We have a motion on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion. Question has been called. All those in favour, please signify. Thank you. All those opposed? Thank you. Bill 21 has had first reading. Item 17, first reading of bills. Item 18, second reading of bills. Item 19, consideration in committee of the whole of bills and other matters: Bill 16, Bill 19, Bill 20, Committee Report 5-14(3), Committee Report 6-14(3), Committee Report 7-14(3) with Mr. Delorey in the chair. By the authority given the Speaker by Motion 4-14(3), the House is resolved into committee of the whole to sit beyond the time of adjournment until the committee is prepared to report.

I would like to call the committee to order. Committee of the whole is here to consider Bill 16, Bill 19, Bill 20, Committee Report 5-14(3), Committee Report 6-14(3), Committee Report 7-14(3). What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Dent.