Robert Hawkins

Thank you. It’s actually hard to hear you over here. I seek unanimous consent to go back to page 7-13.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Many promises and commitments were made in the TLC some months ago about being responsive to Members. Most notably, many of the Members, and some of them sitting on the other side of the House, pleaded with their colleagues and told them how hard they’d work for them and they’d be responsive. I’ll acknowledge that sometimes forgetting things is the reality of doing a job and it does happen to all of us whether we want to admit it or not. Often it’s referred to as being human.

There is a certain exception to that. If you’re in Cabinet, you’re expected to rise above those...

Thank you, Madam Chair. We may have to go back. I’m just seeking clarification from the department. Bilingual services, there’s an allowance program built into Human Resources. Is this under this particular section or can the Minister point to a more specific page that should be referenced on it and we can talk about it then?

I thank the Minister for coming so clear on that. The question would then beg: What are the fees and payments for this particular department if there is a number there in that column?

From the experience and expertise the deputy minister carries, is it likely that we could end up pricing ourselves out of the market of affordability if we continue to strive to 40 percent of the Building Code? Thank you.

So the obvious question is why do that then? If it’s just TSC services like other departments, why is it? Is it an accounting problem? Why would you do that if we’ve already got it listed under something? Predictably I guess it’s more of a finance question by saying this is the type of process we’d see in other departments. But as far as Human Resources goes, why would we change line items if you’re trying to follow the budget?

I guess the next question is: Has Public Works investigated the process and certainly the cost required to meet or exceed that objective of 25 percent? Then, in consideration, they must extrapolate in the 40 percent that there will be significantly more costs. Has Public Works taken this into consideration in meeting and beating the National Building Code by 25 percent? Have any qualified opinions as to how stressful on our financial pocket it will be if we try to exceed it to 40 percent? Thank you.

Thank you. I’m not sure I heard contract services, but at the same time can I get fees and payables? Most Members would note that there’s over a $900,000 jump in fees and payments and I’m trying to understand the prediction between that. Would that have to do with negotiations and how would they break out? Thank you.

Is it a fair assumption to say that certain particular parts of the National Building Code have been adopted by Public Works and maybe with the knowledge of the deputy minister, certain sections of the National Building Code have been adopted by Municipal and Community Affairs, but not the whole National Building Code?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS Tabled Document 2-17(3), Commissioner’s Opening Address: Creating the Condition for Success, has been tabled in the House;

AND WHEREAS the Commissioner’s opening address requires detailed consideration;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South, that Tabled Document 2-17(3), Commissioner’s Opening Address: Creating the Condition for Success, be referred to Committee of the Whole for consideration.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.