Yes, Mr. Chairman, we can provide that information.

Thank you. Program summary, total capital expenditures $3.468 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you. Does the committee agree that it has concluded this department?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you. I would like to thank the Minister, Madam Premier, and her witness for appearing before the committee. What is the wish of this committee? Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I believe we want to continue and address Renewable Resources.

Thank you. Minister for Renewable Resources, do you have opening remarks for the committee?

Department Of Renewable Resources, Introductory Remarks

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The items contained in the 1993-94 capital budget of the Department of Renewable Resources are required to maintain or improve the delivery of departmental programs and services.

These items fall into three categories: small pieces of equipment; building renovations; and new facilities. Most of the new equipment is replacing existing equipment used to conduct field projects and patrols.

Wherever possible, we are having buildings renovated rather than constructing a new facility. The renovations extend the life of the facility or provide unheated storage space for equipment. Buildings in Fort Smith, Fort Good Hope, Cambridge Bay, Coppermine and Fort Providence will be renovated in 1993-94. Maximum use will be made of local contractors and suppliers.

Plans for all new facilities have been reviewed and adjusted to take into account the need for fiscal restraint and the ability of local contractors to bid on the projects. The department is also looking at the option of leasing space in existing buildings from local businesses or community organizations.

Only two new facilities will be constructed in 1993-94. They are: the completion of the air tanker base in Inuvik; and a bulk fuelling system in Wrigley. The fuelling system is used during the forest fire season and will result in annual cost savings of over $20,000.

After several delays, the department is setting up an office for Lac La Martre. This winter the site will be prepared and construction material will be moved along the winter road.

Mr. Chairman, I will now be pleased to respond to the committee's comments and questions. Before I do that I would like to ask you if I can bring my deputy minister inside the ropes. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Prior to the concurrence of the committee to bring in your witnesses, I will go to the Standing Committee on Finance, according to the procedure of the committee. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Standing Committee On Finance Comments

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.

Hear, hear.

Thank you. Do we have the committee's concurrence that the Minister will bring in the witnesses? Agreed?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you. Proceed. Thank you. For the record, Mr. Minister, would you introduce the witnesses?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To my left is my Deputy Minister, Mr. Joe Handley. To my right is the Director of Finance, Mr. Rick Feil.

Thank you. Welcome to the committee, Rick Feil and Joe Handley. Nice to see you again, Joe. It seems like yesterday, that you and I laughed and cried together.

---Laughter

Wildlife Management

Now, we need general comments from the floor. Detail by detail.

We are on page 10-9 of the Capital Estimates. Renewable Resources, wildlife management, equipment acquisition, headquarters, total region, $42,000. Agreed?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you. Total acquisition of equipment $42,000. Agreed?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Total activity $42,000. Agreed?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Conservation Education And Resource Development

Thank you. Page 10-11, conservation education and renewable resource development, equipment acquisition, headquarters, total region. Member from Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The committee has recommended that the production of videos be privatized, and so purchasing the video equipment for this department is unnecessary.