During the 15th Assembly I raised
the issue of vacant or ghost positions within the public service and the fact that funding for these unstaffed positions is included in departments’ budgets. I recognize that many of these vacancies are short-term, but in some instances these positions are left unfilled for long periods of time, and the funding is then used at the discretion of the department. Sometimes that money evaporates into the abyss.
I have two concerns today about these unfilled positions that I wish to highlight. My first one is accountability. Members review and approve the departmental budget with the understanding that the money will be spent according to the budget information provided. I am concerned that these funds may be spent without approval from Members of this House.
My second concern is that at this time, when we are facing serious spending reductions, it is paramount we maximize our resources. Examining the funded but yet unfilled positions needs to be reviewed, and that could go a long way to mitigate some of the effects. So we must look for inefficiencies to avoid any serious ripple effect. We need to be selective when picking from the blueberry patch, Mr. Speaker.
Our government has spent, in past years, like we are living in a dream of gluttony. We must be prepared for and careful about what pound of flesh we demand out of our public service or out of our system in general. I support the course correction, but I do not want a flashback of the Todd days in the ‘90s. Mr. Speaker, I say to the Premier, heed my warning and engage Regular Members. Again I say heed my warning; engage Regular Members early or prepare your few coins for the ferryman, as he is starting to dock for you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.