Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since most of us on this side picked on the Finance Minister yesterday, I figure that it’s my turn today.
Since the publication and promotion of the revenue options
paper a short while ago, I have heard from
quite a number of people in regard to the proposed options. From their comments two things became quickly evident: the concern for the current high cost of living that they experience and a strong aversion to an increased tax burden on individuals.
I absolutely agree with both of these concerns. I said publicly some time ago that any new revenue must have minimal impact on NWT residents as individuals. My constituents expressed the need to see the Finance Minister consider other possible actions to raise revenue. Targeting the earnings of fly in/fly out workers is high on their list, as is targeting the profits of resource companies. Any revenue grab that increases the cost of living for
our residents is not acceptable to the constituents of Frame Lake.
Mr. Speaker, all MLAs received many, many cost cutting suggestions last year prior to the passing of this previous year’s budget. Implement only some of these suggestions and our revenue needs will be thoroughly reduced. For example, has the government seriously considered reducing or eliminating the printing of annual reports, and if not, why not?
Savings can be achieved by reducing wasteful spending, and it is our front line and middle management people who know where that wasteful spending is happening. The Finance Minister must consider establishing a committee of GNWT employees composed only of front line and middle management staff who represent all departments and agencies, a committee that reports directly to the MLAs and/or the Finance Minister. Let them tell us what they see. Implement their recommendations, and I guarantee that our expenditures will be reduced significantly.
Our employees do care, Mr. Speaker, and they will assist us in reducing our spending if we give them the opportunity. I look forward to a letter from the Minister of Finance advising us of the establishment of our new staff committee.