Thank you, Madam Chair. It is my pleasure to present the comments of the Standing Committee on Resource Management and Development regarding this department. On Monday, we presented some general comments on the three departments of Economic Development and Tourism, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and Renewable Resources. However, we also had some specific comments regarding the Department of Renewable Resources.
Forest Fire Management
During the initial review of this department's business plan, it was obvious that the forest fire management program suffered a historical deficiency in base funding. As an example, the department had budgeted $23.691 million for the 1994-95 fire season, but total costs came in at over $43.004 million. Based on this historical deficiency, the committee approved a $7.3 million increase to this program's base funding.
In making this recommendation, the committee noted that the Department of Renewable Resources must now consider this amount "capped." The committee explained that, only in the case of a genuine emergency, could this newly established ceiling be exceeded. Furthermore, the Members would expect the department to provide a full report on any such overexpenditure.
This new ceiling will force the department to make some hard decisions or cuts regarding which fires to fight and what response method is most appropriate. The committee expects the department to work closely with communities in determining these important factors.
On a related issue, the committee was interested in the department's proposal to enter into a lease arrangement with Buffalo Airways Limited for the use of three CANSO aircraft. Committee Members are disappointed, however, that information on this issue was not provided earlier and that the committee was not involved until after a final decision was made. Members are looking forward to the fall when the committee will have an opportunity to assess this aircraft's usefulness with the Minister.
Western NWT Harvesters' Assistance Program
The committee is supportive of this program but is concerned with the way in which it is funded. In the past, the department has funded the program through special warrants and supplementary appropriations.
Members warned the government that extra funds through supplementary appropriations do not exist, given the current financial situation, and recommended the department identify an annual amount for the program in the main estimates.
Committee Members are pleased to see a budgeted amount of $2.454 million for this program in the 1996-97 main estimates. Members feel that this proactive approach will allow both the department and the recipient to better plan for the expenditure while avoiding the use of special warrants. Thank you, Madam Chair.