Thursday, March 16, 1967

We feel that we have found many of the answers and these answers have not been easy in the finding. We feel that much progress is being made, Mr. Speaker, in working and finding ways and means to advance the programs and proposals of the future continuatirn of the building of this province in league with the Govern- ment of Canada. And while the Leader of the Opposition has demonstrated a poor deal in Ottawa during this past session I repeat, Mr. Speaker, that this province has never had a better deal and this when I say that I refer only to the special grants and the educational grants which were afforded this province. We could have used more but we are getting more, Mr. Speaker, by the millions and we are going to continue to find more. Some of the joint federal provincial programs have been announced in the Speech from the Throne, others will be announced in due course.

Mr. Speaker, much work remains to be done in this Session, and I suppose that it might take us at least another week and a half before the Throne Speech has been fully debated. I am confident that this Session is going to do much that is constructive and worthwhile in establishing a sound foundation from which the economy of this province will spring. All is not lost in Georgetown; all is not lost with the industries which are in present difficulties in this province. Mr. Speaker, there are answers. We are finding and developing these answers and in every sector of activity, governmental activity I am encouraged by the activity and the strenuous application of personal effort which each of the Ministers of the Crown have dili-

gently applied themselves in the course of their responsibilities to the people of this province.

I regret to read in the newspapers every once in a while letters to the effect that members of government should get out of their “soft chairs" and get to work. I want to assure you, Mr. Speaker, this is the hardest working government that this province ever had. (Applause) And I know that the Civil Service is the hardest working Civil Service today in the history of this province as well. We talk about the large numbers of people and let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, that they have twice as much work now as they had only a few years ago. And these men with whom I am fortunate to be associated in the responsibilities of government are not content to turn out the office light at one o'clock in the morning if there is still work that is pressing. We have seen the office lights working until two and three as well, and early in the morning. And these men have been tackling the very difficult problems which have been bestowed upon them by circumstances, by coincidence, and by the previous administration as well.

I do not believe that there are any other remarks which I prefer to make this evening, Mr. Speaker, I, therefore, move the adjournment of the Debate.

(Applause) .