Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Madam Chair. We may have to go back. I’m just seeking clarification from the department. Bilingual services, there’s an allowance program built into Human Resources. Is this under this particular section or can the Minister point to a more specific page that should be referenced on it and we can talk about it then?

I thank the Minister for coming so clear on that. The question would then beg: What are the fees and payments for this particular department if there is a number there in that column?

From the experience and expertise the deputy minister carries, is it likely that we could end up pricing ourselves out of the market of affordability if we continue to strive to 40 percent of the Building Code? Thank you.

So the obvious question is why do that then? If it’s just TSC services like other departments, why is it? Is it an accounting problem? Why would you do that if we’ve already got it listed under something? Predictably I guess it’s more of a finance question by saying this is the type of process we’d see in other departments. But as far as Human Resources goes, why would we change line items if you’re trying to follow the budget?

I guess the next question is: Has Public Works investigated the process and certainly the cost required to meet or exceed that objective of 25 percent? Then, in consideration, they must extrapolate in the 40 percent that there will be significantly more costs. Has Public Works taken this into consideration in meeting and beating the National Building Code by 25 percent? Have any qualified opinions as to how stressful on our financial pocket it will be if we try to exceed it to 40 percent? Thank you.

Thank you. I’m not sure I heard contract services, but at the same time can I get fees and payables? Most Members would note that there’s over a $900,000 jump in fees and payments and I’m trying to understand the prediction between that. Would that have to do with negotiations and how would they break out? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that we report progress.

---Carried

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Some of us in this Chamber may have heard of a little project referred to as the Deh Cho Bridge. As a matter of fact, it’s the largest infrastructure project that our government has ever supported to date. With all projects, it certainly has had its challenges, its issues and certainly it’s had its concerns. But frankly, let’s put it on the record: what project hasn’t had problems, challenges, or issues or concerns?

We all know that the Deh Cho Bridge was a project born out of the vision and aspirations of the people and the community of Fort Providence. It’s a project...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that we report progress.

---Defeated

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to rise today to talk about a very important subject that I’m very passionate about as well as the realignment of Highway No. 4, but I’ve always been passionate about first aid and the training that we can ensure others can have.

I’ve got a long history of being a First Aid instructor many years ago in a previous life that I did long before politics, and I can tell you many people have often told me that they wouldn’t know what they would do if they hadn’t had first aid training. You know, I hear things like it’s easy to distinguish the difference between...