Thank you, Mr. Chair. I’d again like to welcome the department here today as we review these supplementary appropriations. In a general sense, the concern I have is about the timing of these appropriations. To put it into context, the fact that Members here had very little time to review the numbers, to do the analysis, to read the number of briefing notes that were accompanying each line of change, even though it’s a carry-over or a lapse or an offset. Some of these documents do require some time to filter through and to balance off main estimates and even to look at past historical performance by the various departments.
My opening comment is: Is there any way that we can make this system a little bit more efficient so that we can get this information in the hands of the Members at a minimum two weeks before they hit the floor of the House? In this case, this information is within days.
I’m just asking whether or not the process or policy or both can be earmarked for future Assemblies to find more efficiencies. Again, it goes back to some of my earlier questions about financial management in my Member’s statement, getting a D-plus because of our financial reporting. This is a prime example of where the reporting of appropriations getting in the hands of Members was a bit tardy. So, really a general question, is there an opportunity for improvement, and can we get some degree of assurances that future governments, future Assemblies will at least get this information two weeks before we’re able to talk about this in the House? Thank you.