David Ramsay

Clause 6.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. I will ask the Sergeant-at-Arms to please escort in the witnesses. Thank you.

Thank you. Committee, we will go to general comments from committee. Sorry; introduction of witnesses, Minister Roland, please.

Total department, $620,000.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I wanted to speak again today about the transfer of the Territorial Treatment Centre out of Yellowknife, an issue that I feel is being seriously downplayed by the Minister of Health and Social Services and by this government. I believe that the cavalier attitude and actions of this government in dealing with the transfer of this vital program is shameful. I have heard from employees, families and, most recently, organizations that, unlike our government, actually have an interest in what is best for the clients.

In my time here as a Member of this House, I have become...

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Mr. Hawkins, if you want to pursue that line of questioning, perhaps at question period might be another opportunity for you to question the Minister of ITI on the companies. We are dealing specifically with the appropriation bill before us. Mr. Hawkins.

Clause 4.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Please proceed with your opening comments.

Agreed. Executive, operations expenditures, Financial Management Board Secretariat, not previously authorized, budgeting and evaluation $620,000.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, my questions today are for the Premier. Given the proposal to move the Territorial Treatment Centre out of Yellowknife to Hay River, it’s important to a great number of citizens here in the city of Yellowknife. Clients, employees, specialized service folks, are interested to know how a decision like this is arrived at. I would like to ask the Premier what exactly is the government policy on decentralization? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

There being no further business before Committee of the Whole, I will now rise and report progress.