Thank you. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to have the opportunity to introduce the capital budget for the Department of Culture and Communications for 1992-93. The Department of Culture and Communications is mandated to preserve, promote and develop northern culture and arts, to improve broadcast communications and availability of information, and to strengthen national and international understanding of the Northwest Territories. Projects that are being put forward for 1992-93 are only the crucial items important to the fulfilment of the department's mandate.
The total capital shown in the estimates is $2.3 million. Based upon the standing committee on finance's review and its recommendations, I will be introducing motions to reduce the capital estimates of the department by $1,002,000, resulting in a reduced total of $1,302,000. The approved estimates for 1991-92 totalled $2,112,000. The revised 1992-93 estimates show an $810,000, or 38 per cent, reduction from 1991-92.
Projects included in the estimates for 1992-93 include planning money for the Cape Dorset community museum; artifacts and archival materials purchases; contributions to historic building projects in Fort Good Hope and Pelly Bay, and community museums contributions.
Library activity projects planned for 1992-93 include renovation of the Baker Lake library; furniture purchases to complete the Iqaluit public library project: minor renovations to the
government library; and community consultation regarding future Cambridge Bay regional library plans that properly address the integration of public and school libraries. A major public library expansion is being undertaken in Arviat.
Improved access to the library catalogue will be provided to 23 libraries during 1992-93, and microform readers willb e placed in communities to enhance study and research opportunities of library patrons. Contributions will be provided to communities for renovations and to assess community library needs.
In the television and radio services activity, funding is included for the purchase of replacement community radio and television satellite receiving and retransmission facilities, and for broadcast equipment to support northern television producers, including aboriginal broadcasters.
At this time, Mr. Chairman, I would be pleased to answer any questions that the committee may have. Thank you.