Thank you, Madam Chair. Just before I begin, I too would like to thank the committee for all the hard work within the public accounts portfolio. Being this is the second time that we’ve moved forward in public accounts receivable, I just want to make note that again this year the standing committee noted with concern the substantial amount of money owing in accounts receivable from the Government of Nunavut. While this figure has decreased from close to $10 million in 2011-2012 to $7.78 million this year, the committee reiterates its concern that maintaining such a large interest-free receivable has cost implications for the GNWT in that the government may have to borrow and pay interest on additional funds for its own needs in addition to the loss of potential interest revenue.

The committee was encouraged last year that the government was reviewing its interest rate policy for other jurisdictions, with a view to perhaps charging Nunavut interest on individual items. The committee is far less encouraged this year to hear the comptroller general acknowledge that this account receivable is costing the GNWT money but that it’s not a common practice to charge interest to other jurisdictions, therefore bringing this motion forward, Madam Chair. Thank you.