Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to ask some questions to the Minister of Finance in reference to my Member’s statement.
He should have received the e-mail that I referenced in my statement. I’d like to thank the sender of the e-mail for taking the time and the initiative to act and to forward a suggestion to us. I hope that the Minister has read the e-mail. I’d like to ask whether or not he agrees with the sentiments expressed in that e-mail — that we are wasting money, that this is a cost-saving opportunity, and if he is intending to act on this particular suggestion.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Roland.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did receive the e-mail. We’ve had a look at it. In fact, I do believe it is something that we have to put some attention to as we go forward — whether it’s limited copies where we go, or if it is just sending out the disk, as we see that become more and more used. Wherever we attend, there always seems to be a backup along with the document. Maybe we can get to that point where we just do a summary and then have the full package on a disk. So that is something that…. We will go down that path and start to make it happen as the Government of the Northwest Territories.
I appreciate the Minister’s answer. I would hope we could get to a point where we’re not using paper at all. I don’t see any need for it. Maybe a few copies, as the Minister said, but I think we need to totally limit what we’re putting out there.
I’d like to know from the Minister when we might expect to see some sort of plan, suggestions or ideas that might be coming forward in relation to this problem.
Mr. Speaker, the process we’ve been involved with takes a lot of time with departments, Cabinet and Members. Once we’re through this budget process, we’ll be sitting down and putting energy to a lot of the initiatives we’ve talked about. This area will be one of those. In fact, I think we can send out a directive. The staff are getting and listening to this message that, as we prepare for the next level of reports, we have to see how we can barrel back some of those initiatives. We also have to recognize that not all communities are fully up to speed with the e-mail system and the technology, so we’ve got to work on improving that piece as well. But where it fits, we will be going down that path.
I’d like to tell the Minister that I certainly understand that not all of our communities have the opportunities and access to technology that some of the larger centres do, but I feel very strongly that we have the technology and we should be using it. I’m glad that the Minister suggests that staff can act on their own by hearing this particular discussion.
This isn’t a question. Well, maybe it is a question. I’d like to ask the Minister how, for the second day in a row, a Cabinet Minister was able to anticipate my next question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, all I can say is that we have been sensitized by working with committee members and trying to do the best job we can. Hopefully, we can continue down that path and be as prepared as we are and responsive. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Roland. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.
