Thank you. Member for Thebacha.

If the Minister is indicating that it is required to expand the network to GNWT requirements, how can he state that there is less need for this type of equipment? That's what I'm trying to find out. Where is the cut, and why has it been cut compared to last year's funding?

Thank you. The honourable Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. What I'm saying is that I don't need the money in this activity in this department.

Order. Member for Thebacha.

Mr. Chairman. The Minister is being contradictory. First of all he says there is less need for it, then he says he needs the money to expand the networking system. I'm trying to find out whether the cut from last year's budget to this year will have any implications regarding communications requirements. He is basically saying there is less need, so I don't need the money.

Well, if that's the case, Mr. Chairman, then I move that the funding required under the activity systems and communications be deleted.

The motion is to delete this page, I understand. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Mr. Chairman, yes, the funding for systems and communications. If the Minister feels there is no need for it and can not justify what it is going to be spent on, I move to delete the funding for systems and communications.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha. There is a motion on the floor to delete the systems and communications budget for the page 08-23. To the motion. Mr. Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I realize that it is 8:00 pm and maybe we're not communicating as well as we should. I will make it very clear that there is a need for the $210,000. The Member asked why there was a reduction. There was probably no need for any money over $210,000, but there is a need for the $210,000. I read the scope of the work into the record, twice now, but I will do it one more time. I will do it very slowly and in a louder voice, then perhaps I will be able to communicate a little better.

The capital funding for the $60,000 will be used to purchase and install the data communications equipment that is required to expand the network to meet GNWT requirements. As well, the equipment the system and the computer service technicians need to install the equipment and support the network operations. That is what will be accomplished with the $60,000. That is what their need of $60,000 is.

The need for the $150,000 is, the scope of the work are disk drives being added to increase capacity. Tape drives will be replaced and memory increased, to enhance processing capabilities. The central processor will be upgraded to meet the increase in user demands. That is what the $150,000 is needed for. I am requesting that money. I would not have been requesting it if we did not need it.

As well, Mr. Chairman, for 1993-94, I had said that there was no need for money over the $210,000 figure because of decentralization. The request, through decentralization, was reduced one time only. Thank you.

Thank you. To the motion. Member for Thebacha.

Mr. Chairman, I recognize that the Minister is reading his scope of work from his briefing books and that is why I am trying to get an answer. His answer doesn't really substantiate the project funding amount. First of all, if the Minister thinks about it, the ongoing initiative on decentralization and expansions, with regard to networking to many of the other communities, will require a greater demand for systems and communications. That is why I asked. Because of this decentralization initiative and the expansion of this, they will need more on their system. I wanted to know why the cut to this department was so significant when there is going to be a greater demand on the system? In one word, he says there is less need, and then, when he justifies it by reading his scope of work, he says, "install the data communication equipment that is required to expand the network to meet GNWT requirements." He is trying to justify the amount of money he is putting in for this year, but why was there such an extensive cut to this activity over last year, when there have been other initiatives that the department has taken on, such as decentralization?

Thank you. To the motion. The honourable Minister.

Thank you. The money we are requesting now has been reduced one time only by $340,000, due to decentralization. There was no need for requesting more than the $210,000 at this time.

Thank you. To the motion. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Mr. Chairman, is the Minister stating that because of decentralization, even though there is going to be a growth of demand with regard to the networking system in the government, there is no greater need to communicate what information they need through the existing system?

Thank you. To the motion. The honourable Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Can I get the Member to repeat that, please?

The honourable Member for Thebacha.

Because of the decentralization initiative, does the Minister feel the demand on the existing communication system is going to be less, with regard to getting information out?

Thank you. Mr. Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No, I don't think the demand will be less.

Thank you. To the motion. Mr. Lewis.