Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to present the proposed 1994-95 O and M budget for the Department of Safety and Public Services. For 1994-95, the Department is requesting $6.512 million compared to last year's budget of $6.410 million, for a net increase of $102,000. This increase is the result of an additional $100,000 contributed by the Workers' Compensation Board to fund the workers' advisor position and $2,000 returned to the department base as a result of changes in the proposed program reduction initiatives. The department is projecting revenues of $18.279 million, an increase of $415,000.
I am pleased to inform you that the department is making progress in its affirmative action program. At present, 19 per cent of our staff are aboriginal people and an additional 15 per cent are indigenous non-native. The department has taken steps to further improve its record in this area. For example, our labour standards inspector trainee will be completing her training program in August 1994, and our safety officer trainee was hired in July 1993.
The department has three major initiatives for 1994-95. The first one is completion of the legislative process to enact new mine safety legislation. This process has already involved extensive consultation with mining companies, exploration companies, mine unions and representatives of unorganized
mine workers, through the involvement of occupational health and safety committees.
The second initiative is to determine the feasibility, assess the impact and potentially plan for new gaming initiatives.
The third initiative also involves a major consultative process with the residents of the NWT to bring forward a new Liquor Act by 1996.
Beyond these three initiatives are three other objectives, including the tabling of a legislative action paper on electrical safety, the possible transfer of lottery licensing to various communities under the community transfer initiative, and continuation of work on discussion papers that will lead to a new Labour Standards Act. Six discussion papers on labour standards have already been sent out for public comment.
Fire safety continues to be a concern, especially among our young people. The office of the fire marshal has revised the learn not to burn curriculum for preschool to grade three students.
Mr. Chairman, the investigation of accidents and fatalities to determine causes and make recommendations to reduce such accidents will continue to be a high priority in the department, along with monitoring work places to ensure that work practices are safe. The department will continue to ensure that the safety and health of the public is protected through the effective enforcement and administration of legislation pertaining to fire, safety, gas, boiler and pressure vessels, safety, electrical and elevator safety.
Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to present these short introductory remarks to the Members of the committee.