Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m glad to hear we have Mr. Dolynny on board with this particular matter and I’m happy to welcome anybody else who wants to join this side the of perspective.
Quite frankly, I’m concerned on how we’re proceeding. This is not directed to the stewardship or the mentorship of the Minister who has to carry this through, shepherd it through, this requirement and spending bill, which is, of course, the way we do business, which is, in essence, law; but the reality here I’m suffering from is the full appreciation when I hear the spirit and intent and a legal opinion and all is good.
Quite frankly, when I hear that this was rushed through, a cheque was cut, dropped off and, like Pontius Pilate, they sort of clapped their hands and sort of walked away like it’s not their problem, I find it a bit of misinterpretation or a missed opportunity for some type of due diligence.
I would like to be surprised by this next question with a clear answer, which seems to be not the obvious, which is: Was there a letter ever sent to the government in any form under the Building Society’s letterhead or stewardship that basically says that this is how they envision the money to be spent? We keep hearing about the spirit and the intent. Did they put pen to paper, other than to sign a cheque? Did they provide some direction and has anyone consulted with them? It feels like, sure, they may have rushed the cheque out the door to close the society’s door and I’m sure I don’t begrudge them of that. After 20 years, that’s great, but after 20 years they could have waited 20 more days to do this. I understand they may not want to be the stewards of a scholarship. No problem there. That makes sense. But, quite frankly, a little instruction from them would have gone a long way.
Here we are sitting here, debating what was prescribed 20 years ago as the mandate of this organization and sitting here wondering. When I hear it was left for the building, to me it sounds like it is left for the building. I would certainly welcome any clarification or guidance the Minister could provide, because that would certainly take some concern away that I have at this moment. Thank you.