Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have a motion I’d like to make on this page. It’s in regard to the marine equipment maintainer assistant position, based out of Abraham Francis Ferry in the Peel River. Again, this is one of those things where this individual has made his livelihood — he’s basically made his career — around the Department of Transportation in marine operations. He’s moved from Hay River to Providence to McPherson; he’s raised a family in our community. He’s now being told after all those years of service that we’re going to let him go.
Looking at his salary for the summer season, it’s $30,000. I think for us to think we’re saving $30,000 and then we find out the department is basically growing by $4 million compared to last year’s budget, with really no cuts except for a nice, warm, cozy body that’s being eliminated…. We have to be fairer to our employees.
With that, I’d like to move a motion. Mr. Chair, I move that the committee strongly recommend that the government take immediate action to reverse its decision to eliminate the marine equipment maintainer assistant position under the Department of Transportation, Marine Activity.