Mr.
Chairman, resources in the
community are very important. Although we’ve spoken about it many times, it’s certainly worth noting again that when we start yanking out solid jobs in communities that provide a real, meaningful service, where they have a use and they belong, it has a real impact on the economics of the community. I think we’ve challenged that community by taking these opportunities away.
The other thing is the scale in the community that you want to make sure stays there. As the Member points out, quite correctly, the issue is…. When we need the job — and theoretically again, even though the department has probably built a case saying they don’t need it, which I don’t agree with, by the way — all of a sudden you’ve got to now find someone to be there. I don’t think we’re going to realize true savings on this, and we give up the quality service that’s being provided there.
Mr. Chairman, I’ll just mention now that we’d like a recorded vote on this motion as well, just to make sure it doesn’t get forgotten. Again, I’ll be voting for this. It’s another fine effort to convince other Members on this issue, no different from the efforts brought forward by Member Menicoche, about how important these positions are to the community.