Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As this Assembly rolls closer and closer to its final days, I can honestly say, “Thank goodness.” The problem I see now is not watching the journey of the four years that have come and gone but it’s what is in store for the next four years.

Take for instance when I returned to the House in 2007, only then we learned about the Roland government’s butchering and contriving of cutting 135 jobs and $135 million out of the budget of the day, not to mention the bridge surprise which, of course, all came out of nowhere.

So where did it come from? Well, the simple marching orders created by those in power around the Cabinet table in the absence of Members. So, decisions were made behind the scenes, the deed was planned and, rather, schemed or certainly plotted and pitched to returning Members under the context of fiscal accountability. So, in other words, they were looking for confederates in the cutting and slashing, not to forget also the blame.

I raise this not as a reminder of the past but, rather, days yet maybe to come. We must always continue to be relentless in our efforts to provide efficient and effective government, one that meets the challenges of our day and, at the same time, one that is responsive to the needs of the people by being relevant. But while this government struggles with this last statement, more often than not I continue to be nervous about what surprises they hold for us next. All of this while I hear over and over that this government’s departments are drawing up lay-off lists to be rolled out in the next government, a plan to perhaps hit the Members early while they’re largely unorganized and green.

The government most likely will deny it, and who would be shocked if they did? So, as their metal is tested today, I can only hope that they will have the courage of their convictions and be honest to whom we serve.

But the undeniable fact is,

I’ve been talking to

different members in the public service in different departments and they have all been saying the same things. These proposed lists for trimming are already drafted. So, if you’re a young family out there trying to get ahead with you

r first mortgage, if you’re a

seasoned employee trying to reach your numbers for retirement, if you’re someone planning a big holiday or one of those special purchases that you have that aligns with your hopes and dreams, I can honestly say be cautious about what steps you have and you’re about to take because I certainly hope our government will show you the same respect and honesty you absolutely deserve. Thank you very much.