Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Members today have spoken on the topic of using boards and agencies to deliver government programs and services and have raised a number of issues about the reasons why we use boards rather than government employees. Mr. Speaker, I would like to note that I almost always hear Ministers and Members talk about the need for regional representation on boards. That makes sense to me, particularly if the major reason for using boards is to bring regional input to the table. If that's the case, then should we not also expect that board members will account to the people of the region, since the role is much like of that of the MLA, although for a single purpose, to work on the board.

Mr. Speaker, we don't always seem to require this. In the accountability framework tabled by the Minister of Health and Social Services yesterday, health and social services trustees are accountable to the Minister, but have an obligation to answer to the people of their regions. Now, Mr. Speaker, "answerability" is not found in any dictionary in which I have managed to look. Thank goodness it is defined in the framework. But is that definition accepted by everyone?

Delegating responsibility for delivering services is quite common for governments. As long as the partnership is properly defined for both partners, these partnerships can be very useful, but, Mr. Speaker, there has to be a common understanding of the arrangements and responsibilities between the government organization and the partner organization. How authority is shared and an agreement clearly setting up the manner in which the parties will work cooperatively to achieve a public policy must be in place. My observation is we have done this best with education authorities. We have detailed legislation outlining roles, so trustees know their responsibilities. Trustees are elected, so they currently understand to whom they must be accountable.

Mr. Speaker, we need to consider the issue of accountability in more detail for boards that are appointed by the government. They are considerably different than arm's-length elected bodies. I think we must be careful not to create situations where Ministerial accountability is weakened by appointed boards, so that Ministers can shelter themselves from direct accountability to the Legislature by the actions of appointed boards.

Mr. Speaker, the increasing use of boards requires that we examine the questions that arise with respect to governance and accountability. We must soon debate and agree on the proper roles for government, departments, the Assembly, our board and agency partners and the public. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause