Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and colleagues. On behalf of the Management and Services Board I am pleased to present the operations and maintenance estimates for the Legislative Assembly. The estimates before you have been prepared with two important objectives in mind. The Management and Services Board wants to give the best possible service to Members and to the public and wants to be as effective and efficient as possible in the utilization of public funds.
The Assembly faces operational challenges in the coming year with the move into our new home. The current budget which we have been operating under is a "hold the line" budget. It does not include any costs related to the new building. Mr. Chairman, the estimates before you reflect four months of operations in this facility and eight months in the new building. A review was undertaken of the organizational structure and the operational requirements to determine what would be needed to run the new building. I am sure that the services which will be available to elected Members in the new building will greatly assist us in our work.
The estimates contain an increase of 8.5 person years spread through nearly all of our tasks. There is actually, Mr. Chairman, a ten person year increase but the funding for these positions is staggered throughout the fiscal year. Mr. Chairman, the additional person years will enhance the services to Members. There will be an additional person year in research and the upgrading of the research assistant position to research officer. There will be an enhancement in the library services which will benefit Members, staff and the general public. There will be an additional Members' secretary added to the staff, bringing that up to two full-time positions.
Some of the costs associated with the operation of the new building have been offset by reductions due to costs associated with running the Assembly out of our present facility. I would like to recognize the work of the Members of the Management and Services Board to address matters brought to the board by all Members. Mr. Chairman, this concludes my opening remarks. I would be pleased to answer any questions your committee has.