Debates of November 30, 2007 (day 6)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I have a question for the Minister of Finance. There have been a lot of discussions on this side of the floor of the much needed infrastructure like highways and various public infrastructures in the community. I would like to ask the Minister of Finance if he can provide this Assembly with a fiscal framework for the GNWT prior to the strategic planning session next week.

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Roland.

Return To Question 89-16(1): GNWT Fiscal Framework

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we could work at putting that together. That shouldn’t be a problem. One of the things I think we need to look at as an Assembly before we look at a number of situations, I hope that we would set our priorities first and then look at the fiscal environment that we would have to operate in and take those steps. If we go down a path that becomes strictly about numbers, we may not look at opportunities for restructuring or refocusing of how we operate as a government. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Beaulieu.

Supplementary To Question 89-16(1): GNWT Fiscal Framework

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe that both the priorities and the fiscal framework should be looked at together. Having said that, can the Minister ensure that, should he be providing the fiscal framework prior to his strategic planning session next week, all leverage dollars be also included in the fiscal framework? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 89-16(1): GNWT Fiscal Framework

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we would be prepared to put our information out there. Our fiscal position, the infrastructure piece of it would be part of that as well as all instruments that we have within our authority. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Beaulieu.

Supplementary To Question 89-16(1): GNWT Fiscal Framework

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in relation to that, can I ask the Minister to also provide us with the most updated five-year infrastructure acquisition plan including all projects that are leveraged?

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 89-16(1): GNWT Fiscal Framework

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member is referencing leveraged areas. Is that debt that we would have on our books through a number of other corporations? We put all of our information together that would impact our fiscal framework. We will put all of the pieces together and be prepared to share that with Members. Thank you.