Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the Members of the committee noted that the department is building several offices or warehouses which it appears could be leased instead.
As with other initiatives of this government, the committee feels that it may be prudent to lease space from the private sector and recommends that the Department of Renewable Resources review the merits of leasing office and warehouse space rather than building their own.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, the committee also comments the respect to the tannery. During the review of the 1991-92 Capital Estimates, the previous Standing Committee on Finance recommended that the department conduct a feasibility study for the development of the fur industry in the Northwest Territories from raw materials to finished goods. After almost two years, and under the same Minister, the strategy still has not been placed before the Minister for action. The committee wishes to stress the need for action. The government's taking over two years from the germination of an idea to implementation is not acceptable in our current economy. Too many people are depending on our initiatives for jobs. It is our hope that the department and the Minister will recognize the importance of this initiative and accelerate plans for enhancing the fur industry and building a tannery. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Those are our comments for now.