Mr. Speaker, today I’d like to speak to the debate held yesterday in regard to the board reform motion. Firstly, I want to thank all of those who came to the Assembly yesterday: the trustees, the employees, the parents and the grandparents, the students, the preschoolers and the babies. They all took the time to show us in person where they stand and how they feel about the proposed Board Reform Initiative.
One of my colleagues called yesterday’s debate and the resulting vote democracy in action, and I agree. It was the most fundamental display of democracy that we can have. The debate was enlightening and I was pleased that both the remarks and the Member’s actions remained respectful throughout. I have to commend Minister Miltenberger for surviving oral questions. It’s got to be tough to be on the hot seat for an hour with a packed gallery hanging on every word and still maintain composure.
As with the supplementary health benefits proposed changes, I sense a willingness on the part of Members on both sides of the House to find some efficiencies, effect some change in our current board structures and keep most people happy; we’re not all going to be happy. I appreciated the remarks to the motion made by the Premier which explained his and Cabinet’s position and I take Mr. Roland at his word when he said, “I would say that we would agree there needs to be a different process to this.” I take Mr. Roland at his word when he said, “We’ve heard from Members of this Assembly. We’ve heard from the people of the Northwest Territories and would say that the motion as it’s worded we would be supportive. I look forward to sitting down with Members to try and come up with a better approach as to how we can make it work for the people we represent in the spirit of consensus government.” Thank you to the Premier for acknowledging to MLAs and to the public that the motion has value, that the process needs changing and that both Cabinet and Regular Members should work on this difficult issue. Together we can find a solution that is workable for the residents of our Territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
