Jane Groenewegen

It is my pleasure today to recognize in the visitor’s gallery the mayor for Hay River, his Worship Marc Miltenberger.

Yes, that would be most helpful. If staff would have access to the ministerial benefits policies, including benefits, amounts, and so on, that were in place prior to the review by the 15th Assembly decision on a new policy, which took effect at the beginning of the 16th Assembly…. If they could compare those two and provide that to Members or table that as a public document, that would be what I’d be asking for. Would the Premier be prepared to do that?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My last four questions on this topic went by so quickly.

The ministerial benefits policy. We got a very succinct answer from the Premier that, yes, they are set by the Cabinet. But we had kind of a less succinct answer when it came to who actually sets the policies that are in place right now. The Premier referred to perhaps looking at these and doing a review. But I’d like to ask the Premier: when he says that this policy is in place as a result of work done by the previous government, maybe he would know, having been in the previous government, was this ministerial...

I fully realize that it has been the practice of past governments. I just find it an anomaly, and it is bit unusual. I don’t really know if I totally subscribe to the idea that it should be that way because Cabinet Ministers are full time employees of the government; that is debatable.

Mr. Speaker, the other issue that is interesting and different is the enhanced benefits for Cabinet Ministers when it comes to life insurance, dental and health benefits. Now if, heaven forbid, something should happen to any of us in the performance of our duties, we do have a government life insurance policy...

Mr. Speaker, in follow-up to the questions I asked yesterday in the House, the public is always very interested in what MLA pay and benefits are. To that end, the independent commission on Members’ pay and benefits is struck at least a once every term, and the recommendations go into effect for the following government. Members have an opportunity for input into that as well.

What I was trying to question the Premier about yesterday was the enhanced or additional benefits that are only available to Cabinet Ministers. I was trying to get the Premier yesterday to confirm — and I’ll try again...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every year a large amount of money gets thrown on the proverbial table of the Legislative Assembly. For our approximately 42,000 residents, $1.2 billion in round numbers goes on the table. Departments and deputies and their Ministers elected to oversee them put together business plans which form the basis of our annual budget. Our territory is diverse in so many ways, and although our resources are great, so are the many needs of our regions, communities and residents.

It’s our job as the stewards of the public purse to spend our resources in the public interest in the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, I believe it was, in the House — or this week, at least — a couple of documents were tabled with respect to the Ministerial Benefits Policy and also a report respecting benefits to Ministers under that policy for the fiscal year ended March 31. Every term I believe that there is an independent commission struck to look at Members’ remuneration and benefits. I think that this commission allows for a cross-section of input and public participation for those who may wish to comment on Members’ benefits and pay.

The Members of the Executive Council actually are...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Unanimous consent granted.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The wish of the committee is to proceed with Bill 19, then 14, 16, 17 and the sessional statement, in that order.

I was wanting to know if it is over and above what Regular Members receive. I have to assume that it is, that the $1,500 is separate and for ministerial entertainment, as opposed to MLA expenses in that area.

Mr. Speaker, these questions went all too quickly, but do Ministers also have access to the departmental budget, credit cards, allowances for such things as entertainment?