Daryl Dolynny

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The recent draft Protected Areas Strategy has been deemed by some as a clear indication of this government: we are closed for business. If indeed some truth, Mr. Speaker, what is the Premier prepared to do within our limited time in the 17th Assembly to correct this characterization of his government? Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Abernethy. Carrying on with questions on pages 38 and 39, administrative and support services, Mr. Moses.

The Premier is quoted, “We need a solid framework on which to build this potential. The Mineral Development Strategy is that framework.”

So, to the Premier: How is limiting up to 40 percent of land going to support an increase in mineral exploration? Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Abernethy. Mr. Bromley, if you want to be put back on the list, just let me know. Getting back to questions on pages 38 and 39 on administrative and support services, I have Mr. Bouchard.

This is very painful for me.

---Laughter

Now, I know the Premier is gleaming right now, and to be fair, I wanted to be balanced in my reporting. He does get an A for maintaining a stable, low corporate and personal tax environment, but – hang on – his government only gets a C grade for how it has handled our population growth issues, our own-source revenue options and increased volatility in our overall revenue management. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger, for that clarification. Mr. Bromley.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Again the question is still not answered. What does this impact have on the total cost evaluation or whole asset cost of the purchase of the 802 bomber program? Again, originally told and brought to the House as a project that was going to be a $30 million project. Has that price, or will that price increase over the life of this contract? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Minister Abernethy.

I give some credit where credit is due. This is a bit of an exception to the rule, but notwithstanding, I’m sure this is not the first time our government has had to purchase expensive items in US funds and I’m assuming we will continue to do so for years to come.

My role here as a legislator is to protect the public purse, and in doing so it’s incumbent upon me to make sure the department is working towards the betterment of processes, the betterment of procedures so that we have a high degree of certainty when we do a desktop analysis as to what these projects will cost in the future. As I...

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Ms. DeLancey, Mr. Elkin, welcome back to the House. Committee, as I indicated, we’re on page 37 with the Department of Health and Social Services. With that, we’ll start with general comments. Is committee prepared to go to detail?