Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman and colleagues, I am pleased to present the operations and maintenance estimates for the Legislative Assembly.
This is the first full year of operational budget that I have had to present as Speaker to the 12th Legislative Assembly. Budgets for the Legislative Assembly are driven by the Assembly itself. The Management and Services Board attempts to respond to the legitimate needs of Members and committees of the Legislative Assembly.
We see our role as providing the Members the tools they need to serve their constituents. The major factors that have affected the 1992-93 main estimates are: the increase in sessional sitting days; the increase in committee days; the extent of activities and meetings of standing committees outside of Yellowknife; increases to the Member's constituency living allowances, and constituency work budgets, by the annual legislative adjustment; decrease to the completion of the activities surrounding the general election; and, a zero increase to Members' salaries and indemnities.
Mr. Chairman, the estimates for the Assembly, once all the factors have been included, have produced a hold the line budget. There is no increase in person years, and a total of eight percent increase in O and M.
I would like, at this time, to recognize the work of the Members of the Management and Services Board, who have been vigilant in ensuring that the services that we provide are performed in an efficient, effective and economic manner.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my brief opening remarks. I would be pleased to answer any questions as to the detail of the Assembly estimates.