Page 10-15. Detail of capital, accommodation services, buildings and works, headquarters, total region, $750,000. Agreed? Mr. Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. I would like to move a motion at this time. Whereas the standing committee on finance has recommended that the GNWT re-examine its priorities and standards for offices and any other renovations and put forward only those exceptional items that are essential and basic necessities; now therefore, I move that the 1992-93 capital estimates for the Department of Public Works under the activity "accommodation services" for the project, office renovations/tenant improvements, Yellowknife, be reduced in the amount of $200,000. Thank you.

I will ask the Clerk to review the wording. There is no requirement during committee of the whole to include the whereas section in your motion. You can simply make a motion in your second paragraph. Do you agree with this?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You are right, of course. I will withdraw the motion and make another one, if this is fine with you.

Does the committee agree?

Agreed.

--- Agreed

Are you going to make this motion now or later?

Motion To Reduce Project Office Renovations/Tenant Improvements, Yellowknife, By $200,000, Carried

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will make it now. I move that the 1992-93 capital estimates for the Department of Public Works under the activity *accommodation services" for the project, office renovations/tenant improvements, Yellowknife, be reduced in the amount of $200,000. Thank you.

Thank you. The motion is in order and is being distributed. To the motion.

Question.

Question has been called. All those in favour of the motion? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Detail of capital, accommodation services, buildings and works, headquarters, $550,000. Agreed? Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, we recognize that the Minister has made a concerted effort to reduce the amount intended for renovations of office space under accommodation services. Recognizing this, he has requested a reduction of $200,000. At the same time, I believe Members of this Assembly are concerned that renovations are still being addressed in the amount of $1.6 million in this particular budget. I recognize the comments the Minister made earlier in that the budget is small and there should be no problem in passing. He apologized for the length of his opening remarks. I want to note that his budget is small, but even though it is small, it is highly self-serving for civil servants. It is a concern to Members on this side of the House.

Motion To Defer All Office Renovations Pending Strategy To Be Approved By Legislature, Carried

With these comments, Mr. Chairman, I would like to enter a motion. I would like to move that this committee recommends that all office renovations be deferred until a plan is developed, and a strategy is approved by the Legislative Assembly that justifies renovations given the current fiscal reality. Thank you.

Mr. Chairman, I believe my earlier comments have indicated why this motion has been developed. There is a great concern by ordinary Members that there is a lot of funding expended in renovations, without justification. This motion is requesting that they bring forth to Members of this House, a plan and justification for renovations taking into consideration the fiscal restraint that we are in. Thank you.

Question.

Agreed.

--- Agreed

Buildings And Works, Fort Smith, Total

Capital

Mr. Chairman, can the Minister clarify or indicate the intent of the expenditure for $125,000 in the Fort Smith Region?

Thank you. The Government of the Northwest Territories owns the Milton building which houses the majority of the GNWT departments in the community. The

intended improvements to this building have not been updated for several years. As a result, the present layout does not conform to efficient utilization of the space. It is proposed to commence renovations to this space occupied by the Department of Personnel, Municipal and Community Affairs and Economic Development and Tourism. That is $125,000 in Simpson.

Mr. Chairman, it appears that the Milton building upgrade is getting $90,000 in Fort Simpson. What expenditure is identified for the $35,000 remaining under the Fort Smith Region?