Debates of January 20, 2004 (day 1)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question this afternoon is for the Premier and it regards the issue that I made my statement on, as did Mrs. Groenewegen: the operation of consensus government. I would like to ask the Premier what are Cabinet's procedures when it comes to major government initiatives, and the expectations that are on Ministers when it comes to consulting with Members in committees? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 6-15(2): Cabinet Consultation With Regular Members

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated in my sessional statement, our government intends to operate on the principles of inclusion and partnership. We intend to bring all major decisions to the regular Members, mostly through the committees, and also to work in partnership with other governments. That's the reason we're planning the Circle of Northern Leaders meeting later this year, as I announced. But inclusion, partnership, consensus, I think, are cornerstones for our type of government and we intend to do everything to adhere to that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Supplementary To Question 6-15(2): Cabinet Consultation With Regular Members

Mr. Speaker, in the Premier's response, he indicated that it is the intention to be inclusive, to promote partnership and I certainly support that. But the question I would like to ask is, in his response he said it's the intention of Cabinet to take all major decisions to committees and partners. This is very much the point, Mr. Speaker, of what we have a problem with: whether decisions are brought to committees or Members, not the question of whether there is an issue to be discussed or to be negotiated. So I would like to ask the Premier again, would he care to clarify that statement? Is Cabinet simply going to make decisions, or are we going to be indeed included in discussions that would lead up to those decisions? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 6-15(2): Cabinet Consultation With Regular Members

Mr. Speaker, any decision requires a lot of consultation and discussion. I think over the last days since our government was elected, we've had a lot of discussions and I think a lot of topics were dealt with. We certainly want to continue with that kind of consultation. In arriving at a decision, then we will work very closely with committee. We will bring the information we have, we will listen to what the concerns are and then we will proceed. In the end, a decision has to be made and I think that in the end, it will fall to us as a government to make that final decision after the consultations take place. We would hope that we would get the endorsement of this House for the decision that we do make. Thank you.