Sandy Lee

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know that we are dealing with a level of details that we have not gone through before. I understand that, but what I am noticing now from the Minister’s answers is that the way the department reports these figures is quite different. So far we have had, I don’t know how many departments now, all of the other expenses were broken up with travel and transportation first, then material and supplies, and then contract services, purchased services, then often you would have another other expenses that would have a sub-breakdown. Whereas, the department here is...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I should take a few moments to offer some response to the federal budget delivered by the federal Minister of Finance, Hon. Ralph Goodale. Mr. Speaker, as is the case with all government budgets, the devil is always in the details; I do appreciate Mr. Roland for providing some and I look forward to getting more into the details in the days to come. Nevertheless, I do like what I am hearing in the budget.

Mr. Speaker, most importantly, I believe we can say that the North is now definitely on the radar screen of the people who control our purse strings in Ottawa...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Earlier the Minister indicated that the enrolment figures are in and he’s seen an increase. Could we get some more information on that, please? Thank you.

Thank you. Just a small follow-up to that question. I asked the Minister if he could tell us what professions this assessment applies to, but I am thinking it might be a really extensive list. I will rephrase that and ask if this assessment program that we have contracted with Alberta is subject to consent by professions. For example, the engineering society here, or architectural society or medical or law society, they have to agree to be part of this program, that it is not a blanketed application to all professions.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Could I just ask the Minister to consider my statement here as somewhat of a notice of the situation that's going on with NACC? I know the Minister is also well aware of the situation, and I am sure the NACC representatives would be making some sort of formal proposal. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't ask the Minister to take a look at the proposal and give it good consideration. Thank you.

I have no further questions on that item. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this Sunday, March 21st, will be the official kick-off of spring, although it doesn’t feel like it outside at the moment. Spring in Yellowknife means Caribou Carnival, Mr. Speaker. This is an occasion where all residents, visitors, families, young and old, partake in numerous events that are taking place. This will begin next Friday, Mr. Speaker. Some of the events that we have gotten used to enjoying at this carnival are dog mushing, or a tea boiling contest, or vying to be the owner of the ugliest truck in town. I was going for that until recently when...

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. So we have other expenses under other expenses. I just want to make a point here, Mr. Chairman. I wonder if the Minister as Minister of Finance could comment on whether or not there is any better way to be more transparent in the way we debate and pass budgets, Mr. Chairman. I do believe that the exercise we’re engaged in here is very important. This is the money that we’re approving for the government to spend on behalf of the people and the least we could do or ought to be able to know is what it is that we’re allocating the budget for. I understand that...

That concludes my general comment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Minister mentioned that 30 percent of the $7 million increase is from the mines. Can I get information as to what constitutes the other 70 percent and also could the Minister indicate as to whether or not the Snap Lake De Beers mine is included in that assessment? Thank you.