Debates of October 19, 2007 (day 2)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just a question for the Premier, and I think it’s important that the Regular Members and the public know, I’d just like to ask the Premier if he has a time estimate on when portfolio assignments will be given out to the new Cabinet? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.

Return To Question 12-16(1): Timelines For Portfolio Assignments

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’ve asked all Cabinet Ministers to provide me with a letter today on their priorities, where they think they would fit best. I will then review that, take into consideration the running of departments, where the fit would work, and hopefully I can make some decisions early next week. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 12-16(1): Timelines For Portfolio Assignments

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The last government, for all intents and purposes, really didn’t have an even distribution of workload and I’m wondering if the Premier can state today that he’s going to do everything in his power to ensure that there’s an even distribution of workload amongst Cabinet Ministers? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 12-16(1): Timelines For Portfolio Assignments

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, all Members on this side of the House will have a large workload. I have to take into consideration the skill level, the interest in particular areas and how they can work together to ensure we are delivering it and doing it in an efficient way. So that’s going to be taken into the equation. As well, I will look at the seniority of Members, their experience and what they can bring to the table. But every Member on this side of the House will have some heavy lifting to do over the next four years. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 12-16(1): Timelines For Portfolio Assignments

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m just wondering, is it the Premier’s prerogative to let Members of the House know the portfolio assignments before it’s actually released publicly? If there are concerns from the Regular Members, do we have any opportunity for input on those portfolio assignments, Mr. Speaker, before it goes public? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 12-16(1): Timelines For Portfolio Assignments

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ultimately, it is the Premier’s decision to assign those portfolios. Of course, one of the things I will take into consideration is Ministers say they’d like areas in order of importance or priority, they won’t get everything they want in that sense. As well, I intend to hear from Members if there are concerns out there but, at the same time, I have to look at the workload, how it’s distributed and working with Members. We need to work cooperatively in this environment, but ultimately not everybody from either this side of the House or that side of the House may be happy on certain appointments, but we’re going to do the best we can in balancing the workload out. Thank you.