Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to provide this House with my early observations on the performance of our Premier and Cabinet Ministers. Not so many weeks ago, we gathered here to choose from amongst ourselves people to fill various positions of leadership in the 15th Assembly. Some of us are returning Members, but we also have six new Members; almost one-third of us brand new to the territorial level of government.

Over the past few days and weeks, we have gotten to know each other a little better. We have had a chance to observe old colleagues in new roles, such as yourself, Mr. Speaker, having had to make the transition to the Speaker’s role, which is a very unique role. Of the seven Cabinet Ministers, four have some experience in Cabinet and three do not; committee Chairs are new to the role; and, we have a new Clerk. We are all getting down to work, many with some degree of a learning curve but, for now, I am on the subject of the Cabinet.

Let’s start with the Premier. I know that when the economy is booming in Yellowknife, it might be hard to get excited about a vision for the whole Territories. I know we are planning to get together with other northern leaders in April but, with 50 participants and only a few days, the topics we explore will probably be fairly broad. I am personally disappointed that we didn’t hear a sessional statement as I think the people of the North are awaiting a clear message in terms of direction and goals. The Premier has to be our point man on that front.

We could say that this session was the Finance Minister’s dance because it was the budget session, but our people are waiting to see what kind of a government we are. They want to hear what we are collectively thinking, regardless of whether they agree or disagree. They want to hear something. It is not good enough to give our message once. We need to keep repeating it over and over.

A while back, I discussed with our mayor the subject of continuity in Cabinet assignments; for example, Mr. Miltenberger and Mr. Dent both have prior experience in their respective portfolios. I have no doubt that both are hard workers who keep themselves apprised of the issues in their departments. But, I must say, I don’t see a lot of enthusiasm there. Granted, our government isn’t flush with cash for new ideas and new initiatives at this moment, but I would really like to see a little more passion for the issues in their departments. I don’t want to feel like I had to wake someone from a deep sleep when I get up to ask questions in this House.

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If we were just looking for good managers, we would let the deputy ministers run the departments, but we are looking for leaders with ideas and passion for the challenges that are facing our constituents.

Mr. McLeod and Mr. Zoe haven’t floated enough material for me to form an opinion yet. They are getting up to speed with their departments, so I am very much looking forward to seeing what they are going to come out with.

To Mr. Bell and Mr. Roland, I give an early vote of confidence. I see new ideas…Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my Member’s statement.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You have unanimous consent.

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. To Mr. Bell and Mr. Roland, I give an early vote of confidence. I see new ideas, well-thought-out and well-spoken responses to Members’ issues. They have obviously taken the effort to become well informed of some very complex issues. I have seen good interaction with regular Members. They seem responsive and engaged. I applaud them for that.

Mr. Dent may be the longest-serving Member on the Cabinet side, but I am the longest-serving Member on this side of the House. I hope that a little constructive criticism in the form of observations on occasion will be received in the spirit in which it is offered. I don’t want this to be known as the “status-quo government.” The clock is ticking. Let us get a little fire going here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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