Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I made a Member’s statement yesterday that talked to this issue. We’ve given Cabinet a hard job. They are the ones that are responsible for implementing the strategic direction of this government. It’s not an easy task. You’re going to have to make a lot of hard choices, including some of the choices that you’re presenting to us today with respect to the budget.
My area of concern is purely just around the strategic investment committees. Because they are strategic investment committees, I sense and I believe that they are in fact strategy. We are putting forward new strategy, new ideas, new concepts.
As a Legislative Assembly, that type of direction is the responsibility of all 18 Members. I understand that from there you would move and do the implementation and action plans to incorporate those things into the government, so obviously, I’m not suggesting that you wouldn’t do that as part of your Cabinet role. But when it comes to where these new dollars are being reinvested and how we’re going to move forward as a government to change how we’re doing business, I really do honestly believe that we do have a role in there.
I know that the response might be “This is a response to the strategic plan. These committees are our response to the strategic plan and how we plan to incorporate it.” I agree to some degree, but at the same time, within those committees, you are setting some new strategic direction. I feel, honestly, that is part of our role as well. I think inviting one or two Members to each of the committees as a liaison, or at least a sounding board and partner, and helping set some of those strategic directions — how you’re going to choose to make your strategic investments — is important.
Once those investments and directions are set, obviously, the role would fall back to Cabinet on the implementation of those types of things. But as far as setting those concepts and ideas within those committees, I really do feel that we have a role, and I’d really like Cabinet to reconsider their decision to not include us as active, participating, full partners on those committees. I’d really like you guys to reconsider that and think about what the intent of those committees is, which is strategic investment and strategic planning.
We have a lot to offer. There are a lot of really bright people on this side of the House who can contribute. Give us a chance. Work with us. We’ll do good things for the people of the Northwest Territories.