Michael Miltenberger

Those budget numbers are contained and we stay within the 3 percent cap that we set overall. Thank you.

There’s a range of intervention that we have possible and I believe that is one of them. We try to work collaboratively and proactively with those that are involved, so we’ll follow that process. If it comes down to that type of final decision, I believe that, yes, we have the authority to do that.

Thank you. I will commit to update and I will do that through the Social Programs committee, and I am happy to have any discussion with the Member that he thinks is necessary. But I will look at the results of the meeting and I will share that information with the Social Programs committee. As well, I’d be happy to have any kind of further discussion that the Member may require. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It’s a carry-over. Thank you.

This is a critical issue and I share the Member’s concern and the need to keep everybody fully apprised. We will do that. We’ll ensure that before this Legislature is dissolved in August that we have an update provided to the Regular Members through the Social Programs committee. Thank you.

Bedbugs do not spread disease and are not considered a public health hazard in terms of spreading disease. There are ways to deal with them. There are eradication methods, pest control systems in place to help deal with those type of infestations. We will work with, as I indicated, communities, businesses, building managers, to assist and make sure the proper steps are taken with properly qualified pest control folks.

If the Member has specific concerns in the North about how we provide those services and if he’s suggesting, for example, that we change the specifications and require jets versus any kind of prop fixed-wing plane, that’s a discussion we have to look at. Everything has a cost, as well. We’re trying to manage our expenditures in this area and this is an area where the costs are constantly increasing, so we’d have to be very careful and clear. If the Member has some specifics that he thinks are worth review, I’d be happy to have that discussion with him. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As we have indicated, and I will reiterate for the Member as per his request, we are confident that we will meet the deadlines and get the work on the ground and make sure that this infrastructure is delivered as laid out. Thank you.

As Minister responsible, I will be overseeing it at this level and we will continue to use the good offices of the deputy minister of Health and Social Services. We are one of a number of stakeholders. We want to make sure that collectively we have the input necessary to ensure the best service possible and we will continue to do that. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to support what the Member’s saying, as well as to indicate one of the other things that I think everybody’s keen to do, is to forge a stronger working relationship with our Member of Parliament to use all the tools in the toolboxes that are available to us collectively to push the agenda of the North. Thank you.