Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the 1995-96 capital budget of the Department of Renewable Resources is just under $2.5 million. Of this, almost 65 per cent is used to maintain offices and equipment for regional staff. It is through regional offices that the department's programs and services are delivered to the public.

Staff use the equipment to travel on the land and to conduct renewable resource development and management projects. The 1995-96 mobile equipment budget has been reduced by 25 per cent from last year in accordance with the recommendation from the Standing Committee on Finance. The inventory of departmental mobile equipment has also been reviewed and old, surplus equipment is being provided to community organizations.

The remainder of the 1995-96 capital budget relates to purchasing equipment and renovating existing facilities used during forest fire management activities. It is important to maintain all facilities and equipment in good condition when you are managing forest fires in an area that covers one-third of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.