Debates of October 13, 2004 (day 19)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Premier, the Honourable Joseph Handley. My question is with regards to where the implementation strategy is for the vision for the arts. During the business plan, the Department of RWED, as well as the Department of Education, had requested our support for these projects. So without giving us details, I am asking the Premier where the implementation of the vision for the arts strategy is. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The questions are relating to issues that came up in the business plan reviews, so the Minister is not responsible to go into any detail on that, but Mr. Handley did you want to respond? Mr. Premier.

Return To Question 213-15(3): Implementation Of Vision For The Arts Strategy

Mr. Speaker, I certainly don’t want to get into discussing what’s in the business plan, but I can say that the standing committee has asked for a briefing on it before we release any information and we have, I think the Ministers responsible, Mr. Dent and Mr. Bell, have asked for some time. So we will work with the standing committee first. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 213-15(3): Implementation Of Vision For The Arts Strategy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and it was not my intention to go into the details of what was discussed during the business plan, however, we have been asked to support a plan that they have promised to deliver and the Department of RWED had promised to deliver this summer. The Department of Education has been responding and that’s why I am directing my question to the Premier rather than trying to nail down two Ministers by them pointing at each other. So, therefore, I reaffirm to the Premier – it’s almost like a double jeopardy here – I reaffirm to the Premier, when will this art strategy be released to the public and to Members so we all know what’s happening? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 213-15(3): Implementation Of Vision For The Arts Strategy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, all I will say is that the standing committee, AOC, has asked for a briefing on this strategy before we release it and we are waiting for AOC to give us a date and a time for that briefing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.