Michael Miltenberger

Through regulation and policy would be the best way, but included in my coming back before the end of session with timelines, I’ll highlight some of the things that we think need to be looked at. Thank you.

I don’t have a definitive response to that question, but I will commit to have further discussions with the department to see what short-term and immediate things could be done if there is in fact a need to do that. Thank you.

I would point out, once again, we’re 278 days from the end of the government until the next election and that every department and government is now fully applying themselves to the budget process, getting ready for the business planning process and building the transition documents, and there are clear capacity issues and limit issues, so I will commit to the Member that I will have another discussion with the deputy and the senior officials about this issue. But I would point out, once again, and I’m speaking for myself personally as Minister, that by the time I get through the day with all...

If there is a wish of committee to have that fulsome discussion about that particular initiative at this stage when we have 278 days left in the life of this government, we would, of course, sit with committee to have that discussion and possibly flag this issue for consideration in the 18th Assembly.

Yes, and of course, knock on wood, there are no low water challenges layered on top of that.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. These policies are going to be reviewed, renewed and updated, modernized this year and in place and time for the next budget. Thank you.

I’m not sure what type of problems the Member is anticipating. We shifted over fuel operations. This is a fairly routine piece of business. Contracts have been let. We’re in the process of changing to a consignment model and Mr. Kalgutkar has laid out the process. If there is something dramatic that happens that is totally unanticipated, we’ll deal with it. Fairness commissioners, adjudicators, gives this a level far in excess of something of this nature would justify.

Mr. Chair, no, we haven’t contemplated their recommendations being binding. They would cease to be recommendations and that would eliminate all room for discussion or creativity. They may give us a set of recommendations based on what they know. We need the flexibility, as well, to be able to look at those. As we look at the information, we are sharing with committee as well. If they’re binding, it takes away all of our flexibility. I don’t know if we necessarily want to do that. Thank you.

It’s September 2015. This coming September.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It’s ITI that would have that reflected in their revenues.