Members, there is really only one part of this document that I feel doesn't belong. I feel that the “Fiscal Context” portion is not really appropriate for this document. This section was not developed in collaboration with all 19 Members. Instead, it was inserted after the discussion on priorities and after the first review of the mandate. The introduction of the mandate document speaks well to the goals and objectives of this government. The introduction speaks at length about collaboration, respect, and openness. It describes our government in the context of being socially, environmentally, and economically responsible for the greater good of the people. It speaks about these responsibilities being built by a strong consensus government. It talks about values and priorities of our people. It says that a thriving economy will provide jobs and help the government pay for programs and services. In summary, the introduction clearly supports what the mandate document is supposed to achieve on a big-picture, visionary level. But then the document switches direction to the fiscal context, a background component that reflects just a narrow point in time. Suddenly, in contrast to a long-term view expressed in the introduction, this section paints a bleak picture full of GDP percentages, transfer funding assumptions, infrastructure deficits, and past fiscal comparisons along with naming businesses, and such dreary language as “We can no longer afford the suite of programs and services we have been providing to our residents at the levels we have been providing them.”
Respectfully, in my view, the entire “Fiscal Context” portion has no relevance in this important document, and per the motion, I am proposing that it be removed. I believe the public already understands the fiscal situation we face. If it requires elaboration, then I suggest the Finance Minister can say as much to the public, as he has already been doing, or add it to the annual budget address. I believe the mandate document is a great tool for communicating our vision for the next four years and beyond. As such, it should embrace our overall goals and direction and should not be used for sending a fiscal context message that carries adverse undertones and only represents a small point in time. I look forward to an active exchange and the views of this important document. If I may, I would like to ask for a recorded vote.
Thank you, Mr. Vanthuyne. A recorded vote has been requested. All those in favour, please stand.
Mr. Vanthuyne, Mr. Blake, Mr. McNeely, Mr. Testart, Mr. Nakimayak, Mr. Beaulieu, Mr. Thompson, Mr. O’Reilly, Ms. Green, Mr. Nadli.
All those opposed, please stand. All those abstaining, please stand.
Mr. Moses, Ms. Cochrane, Mr. Abernethy, Mr. McLeod – Yellowknife South, Mr. McLeod – Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. Schumann, Mr. Sebert.
The results of the recorded vote are 10 in favour; zero opposed; seven abstentions. The motion is carried
---Carried
Mr. Beaulieu.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that we report progress.
There is a motion on the floor to report progress. The motion is in order and non-debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried. I will now rise and report progress.
---Carried
I would like to thank the officials and the witnesses for joining us today.
