Mr. Chairman, on behalf of the Management and Services Board, I am pleased to appear before committee of the whole today to present the proposed budget of the Legislative Assembly. Mr. Chairman, as you and other Members know, this is a new position for me and I would like to thank Mr. Lewis, who was acting Speaker and carried the Assembly's estimates through the Standing Committee on Finance.
As you are aware, Mr. Chairman, once they have been approved by the Management and Services Board, the estimates of the Legislative Assembly have traditionally been forwarded to the Financial Management Board for inclusion in the overall government's estimates. This method has always been followed in order to emphasize the independence of the legislative branch of government from the Executive branch. This is not to say, Mr. Chairman, that the Legislative Assembly does not develop its budget without due concern for the overall fiscal realities. However, due to the financial climate that is facing the government, then Speaker, Mrs. Marie-Jewell, worked out a protocol with the Premier and chairman of the Financial Management Board that the Legislative Assembly would participate at the deputy minister level on the government's envelope committee review.
The Clerk participated in all the meetings of the Infrastructure Envelope Committee, so as to protect the independence of the Legislative Assembly. It was also decided that the Minister of Finance, at the direction of the Management and Services Board, would carry forward the decision of the MSB to the ministerial review of the envelope committee's work. During the review, the Legislative Assembly had initially proposed reduction options of 10.5 per cent to the O and M estimates.
Like all other departments in the infrastructure envelope, in which the Legislative Assembly was placed, there were forced growth requirements, new initiatives and revenue options considered. As a result of the review and subsequent decision of the MSB, the Legislative Assembly has before you today O and M estimates in the amount of $9.357 million, which is an overall reduction of 7.2 per cent.
Mr. Chairman, the Legislative Assembly organization underwent a review by the MSB late last fall which resulted in a new organizational structure which was approved by the MSB, and subsequently by Cabinet, and which will provide for a more efficient and clearer reporting for staff and should assist Members in dealing with services.
The structure before you today does not reflect the new structure, as it was approved too late in the budget process. The appropriate task restatements will be completed after the start of the new fiscal year. As a result of the organizational review, two positions were identified to go on half-time status and one position was eliminated and privatized.
Mr. Chairman, the estimates before you today were carefully reviewed to ensure that the dollars being requested would accurately reflect the spending patterns of Members and the workings of the Assembly. I am sure all Members are aware that this is an election year and certain cost savings can be achieved, with the requirement to prorate certain allowances in the year of a general election. This has been included in the estimates. As well, a reduction in the number of sitting days that are normally budgeted for has been made.
Mr. Chairman, the original 10 per cent reduction has been offset by costs related to the holding of the general election and are to cover our commitments for the running of the election, mostly in the educational and promotional areas. I must stress to Members of the committee, as I will to all Members, that this budget is probably one of the most accurate as to our requirements and, thus, has no room to cover unexpected or additional expenditures.
Mr. Chairman, in the coming year, the Legislative Assembly will be redefining further the operational requirements to identify additional cost efficiencies, including placing some positions on a sessional basis. In addition, steps will be taken to prepare for division of the territories, with the development of a transition strategy specifically for the Legislative Assembly. This strategy will address the issue of staffing requirements for the two new Legislatures, staff training opportunities in the areas of the Clerk's office, research and general administration and library services.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my opening remarks, and I am prepared to entertain any questions. Thank you.
---Applause