Glen Abernethy

Thank you. I will now open the floor to general comments on Tabled Document 75-16(2), Supplementary Appropriation No. 2, 2008–2009. Mr. Krutko.

Petroleum Products, Not Previously Authorized: $3.85 million. Mr. Bromley.

Does the committee agree that we have concluded consideration of Tabled Document 75-16(2), Supplementary Appropriation No. 2, 2008–2009?

There’s not much left, Mr. Speaker; thank you. Has Cabinet pursued opportunities that actually reduce the cost of living in the NWT? If so, what are their options?

Mr. Speaker, during the last session the Members on this side of the House asked government to increase revenue in order to avoid cutting programs and laying off employees. Unfortunately, many of the revenue options introduced in September are not acceptable and should not be pursued.

Later today I’ll be asking the appropriate Ministers some specific questions on revenue options for the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Total Department, Not Previously Authorized: $754,000.

Department of Justice, Operations Expenditures, Total Department, Not Previously Authorized: $754,000, approved.

We’ll move on to page 13, Transportation. Minister Miltenberger, during your opening comments you indicated that you might want to bring in an additional witness.

Does the committee agree?

Moving along to page 10, Public Works and Services, Capital Investment Expenditures, Asset Management, Not Previously Authorized: $500,000.

Department of Public Works and Services, Capital Investment Expenditures, Asset Management, Not Previously Authorized: $500,000, approved.

We’re on page 2, Schedule 2, Capital Investment Expenditures, Capital Investment Expenditures Appropriation: negative $43.329 million.

Summary of Appropriations, Schedule 2, Capital Investment Expenditures, Capital Investment Expenditures Appropriation: negative $43.329 million, approved.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday there were a number of Members’ statements and oral questions on revenue options identified by the Minister of Finance in September. Before I get into details, I want to acknowledge, first, that I know that the list of potential taxes proposed by Cabinet is not official. They are simply discussion points to help encourage us, Cabinet and the public to identify real and acceptable options to revenue generation.

What I don’t understand is why the Finance Minister would put forward options that clearly have negative ramifications, options that radically increase...