Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my colleague in also talking about accountable governance and I would first like to start with a quote from the Auditor General of Canada, Ms. Sheila Fraser. She made this statement in an address to the school of accountancy at the University of Waterloo. On the subject of accountability, she said, Mr. Speaker, "accountable government requires that Members of Parliament be able to approve the governments' plans for spending and scrutinize the results of that spending" and I think it is very important to keep that in mind.

We know in our system, typically the business plans and budgets of government departments are presented in some detail to the standing committees. We review them, discuss them, debate them, certainly when the main estimates are tabled. The GNWT has also developed and established various boards, health and social services authorities, education authorities, local housing organizations and these assist in the delivery of programs and services on behalf of this government. It's important to keep in mind, Mr. Speaker, they are spending public money to achieve results.

In some instances such as the WCB or the NWT Power Corporation, two good examples, there is a provision made for legislative scrutiny because there is a requirement to table annual reports and audited financial statements. In other instances, Mr. Speaker, education and health authorities for example, respective departments show a line item for a contribution. There is no detail provided on how these entities plan to spend their money and there is no opportunity for the Legislature to scrutinize activities to see if results are being achieved. Mr. Speaker, presumably the Minister receives this detailed level of information. We know the Financial Administration Act requires it and requires that audited statements be provided.

Mr. Speaker, I think the key is people in the Northwest Territories believe that anybody delivering a government service is part of the government. Ultimately if people aren't happy with the service levels, they blame the Government of the Northwest Territories. The buck does stop here, Mr. Speaker. While responsibility and authority can be delegated to boards and other entities delivering programs and services on our behalf, the responsibility for the Legislative Assembly to approve and scrutinize public spending can't be delegated away. I think that's an important thing for us to keep in mind. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause