Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have introductory remarks for the committee. Mr. Speaker, the proposed budget for the department's 1994-95 capital estimates is similar to previous years. The proposed items are the usual requests for equipment, renovations to existing office complexes, warehouses for storage, facilities for forest fire operations and construction of new offices where office space cannot be leased.

Facility conditions are evaluated based on reports and standards from the Department of Public Works and Services. The remaining capital items are to replace or purchase equipment, usually for field or research staff in communities. The public expects us to work with people out on the land. Without snowmobiles, boats and motors, it is difficult to provide departmental services to these people or to conduct studies. I welcome the comments of the Standing Committee on Finance and look forward to discussing the capital estimates. Thank you.