Thank you, Madam Chair. The debate that committee had and the work that committee did on this bill as a whole was really interesting. There were over 10 amendments made by committee to which the Minister, over time, concurred. We found middle ground on a couple of them, but, in general, there were some very good amendments that were made which made the act a better act.
This one particular amendment or change that was suggested at committee was hotly contested. We had quite a good debate around the whole issue. Committee was split; we could not agree. I think the opening remarks by the deputy chair indicated that. Therefore, it’s come to the floor of the House in an attempt to get the change made at this juncture.
I am not in support of the motion. I have gone back and forth. I’ve heard the arguments on both sides. But I think at this point in time, the size of our jurisdiction, the size of our legal aid office is such that we do not need to hire a lawyer if we hire an executive director who is not a lawyer. I think the financial implications are such that it would be a negative impact and I prefer to leave the act as it is for the time being.
It’s interesting that Mr. Yakeleya suggests that a review in 10 years is a bad thing. I see the fact that we are required to review this act in 10 years as a
good thing. I think, at that time, our circumstances may be such that we can make this change.
That said, basically the arguments on the part of the Minister have convinced me that we should leave the act as it is. So that’s where I’m at. I will not support the amendment. Thank you, Madam Chair.