Debates of February 24, 2016 (day 5)

Date
February
24
2016
Session
18th Assembly, 2nd Session
Day
5
Members Present
Hon. Glen Abernethy, Mr. Beaulieu, Mr. Blake, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Ms. Green, Hon. Jackson Lafferty, Hon. Bob McLeod, Hon. Robert McLeod, Mr. McNeely, Hon. Alfred Moses, Mr. Nadli, Mr. Nakimayak, Mr. O’Reilly, Hon. Wally Schumann, Hon. Louis Sebert, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Testart, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Vanthuyne
Topics
Statements

Question 58-18(2): Update on Open Government Policy

[English translation not provided] Mr. Speaker, transparency was a key issue during the election for voters, and I think every Member of this House has made a clear commitment to engaging in government transparency and making that a centrepiece of this 18th Assembly moving forward. I have questions for the Minister of transparency on the Open Government Policy. Could the Minister provide an update as to how the progress is going in developing that policy?

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Masi. Minister responsible for Public Engagement and Transparency.

Certainly, this is a new department and I'm a new Minister in it; however, I am consulting with my colleagues and we are looking at options for a more open and transparent government. In fact, the very discussions that we've had over the last week or two involving the mandate and other matters are an example of how we are moving forward with more open and transparent government. Once I receive my mandate letter from the Premier, I'll be able to give more detail about how we will be proceeding in this area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate we're still in the early days of this government and time needs to be taken to put things together. Does the Minister have a sense of what kind of resources or support to put together this policy and other initiatives as they relate to government transparency?

Of course, I'm counting on a very important resource, which is the input of all the Members in this House. Financially, we do not have a great deal of resources, but I am looking to hearing from all of you, assisting me in developing a more transparent and open government.

Thank you to the Minister for making a commitment to involve this side of the House in a very transparent and collaborative fashion. Will he make the same commitment to members of the public?

Yes, of course, we will make a commitment. We are looking very much for the involvement in the public in this new area. This government has embarked on this program, which, I think is fairly unique in government in Canada, so we are looking not only for the Members' input, but also input from the general public to guide us.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Final question for the Minister responsible for Public Engagement and Transparency. Can the Minister advise on a potential timeline? Of course, not within a day margin, but perhaps within two years. Could he commit to completing a policy within two years, and fully implementing that policy?

This is a new area and, of course, we are seeking input of the public and also all the Members of this House, but in view of its newness, its complexity, I don't think we can commit to a definite date.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.