Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we approach the final days of the 17th Legislative Assembly, it’s only fitting that we take the time to evaluate the fiscal performance and accountability of the McLeod government.
Some may say things are going well; others may posture that this post-devolution government has the worst performance record since the modern era of consensus system of government. No matter what one may think, it’s about what you can measure. So, it’s really about the numbers; it’s about our operational spending; it’s about our capital spending; it’s about our limited revenue options; it’s about our tax regime; it’s about our debt and borrowing capacity; it’s about growth in our public workforce; and finally, it’s how we wrap all this information and report to the very people who give us their votes every four years.
Later today I have the privilege of tabling an extensive 14-page report, a report that was researched by the office of Range Lake and was fact checked by our very own legislative research staff, a report that talks about the numbers. Numbers don’t lie, they don’t hold prejudice, but they certainly tell a story, a story that I’ll share over the next couple days in this House. This will be a story of fact, not fiction, a story that started 15 years ago and ends in dramatic fashion with a McLeod government cliff-hanger. So stay tuned as we hear this story might not end, that a gripping box office sequel is in the works with potentially many of the lead characters returning to the 18th legislative stage.
On top of all this excitement, we know that over the coming days various committees of this House will be tabling their transition reports as we pass the torch to the future Assembly. These transition reports will also tell a story where many of the committees have found frustration or the lack of resolve on many of the issues that matter to all Northerners.
So, Mr. Speaker, no matter how you look at it, it’s report card time. So brace for impact, because I can tell you right now, this could be a bumpy ride. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
