Floyd Roland

The benefits policy established that it is the Cabinet of the day that can review many of those policies that are in place to see if they continue to make sense. I don’t have the information as to why it was at that level or how long it has been at that level. In fact, Mrs. Groenewegen just provided me with information that my family would be well taken care of, I guess. Hopefully they never have to use that section of our policy. But I will look at this information. As I say, now that this review is within the control of the Cabinet, we can make some changes, whether it is administrative...

That section of the benefits policy has in fact been around for many governments. We follow the same process that has been recommended to us through the last change, and we follow what we would do with government employees. Being a Cabinet Minister is considered full time work throughout the year. If a Minister has to take time off, they have to actually put in their application forms and follow through with that. It would be paid out at the end of the term if it’s not used up.

Mr. Speaker, we use every opportunity to build the support with provincial colleagues across the country. In fact, the northern Premiers have worked together already. I chair that for the remainder of this year — maybe not the remainder of this year, but for the one year term that we have the seat. We had a meeting this June with a number of initiatives put forward. We’ve used the Western Premiers’ Conference and the Council of the Federation to put forward our initiatives and continue building the support. So we will continue to use those avenues, continue to build their support. They have...

Mr. Speaker, as I stated, the parties at the regional leaders’ table have opportunities to put things on the agenda — programming levels, service delivery. Those areas are up for discussion if both parties agree. We’re prepared to have that discussion as well as to discuss the level of service we receive out of the federal government on specific areas. We’re prepared to have those discussions with the leadership as well.

Mr. Speaker, I’m prepared to meet with any Member of the Legislative Assembly — one, two, four. In fact, on the small community side there was a commitment — I believe I gave it during the earlier session, during the Second Session — to sit down with Members once we got the confirmation from Priorities and Planning. Again, that commitment is there; I’m prepared to work with Members of the Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, there are dollars in the system, but there is also quite a shortage of dollars in a number of areas.

This assembly, the 16th Assembly, has already dealt with the Stanton fiscal issue as well as the Beaufort-Delta fiscal issue. They’ve transferred block funding on how they make arrangements — their scheduling services and times as well as dealing with agency relief nurses that are needed from time to time in our communities.

There is a challenge there. The Minister has stated on the record in this House that she is going to work from the department side with the Beaufort-Delta Health...

After having a discussion with staff to see what we’re able to do, I’d be prepared to give information to Members and, if we’re able to, to even table it.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The benefits policy was last reviewed by the last government and has come into effect for the life of this government. We as the Cabinet can do a further review of our own and make changes. As has been highlighted with the last round of changes that occurred, it gave the Cabinet authority to make those changes.

I would have to get further information on the areas the Member spoke to on dental and health benefits. I would have to get a little further detail on that and get back to the Member.

Yes.