Standing Committee On Resource Management and Development Comments
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report the Standing Committee on Resource Management and Development's review of the 1996-97 main estimates of the Department of Safety and Public Services. During the review of Safety and Public Services, committee Members were concerned with the cost-saving measures proposed by the department. Given this department's responsibility to ensure public safety, Members were uneasy about approving cuts in the areas of consumer education, staffing and capital expenditures. The department responded by reassuring the committee that the proposed cuts would compromise public safety.
Occupational Health And Safety
One large area of concern for Members was the transfer of occupational health and safety to the Workers' Compensation Board, completed in early April 1996. During its initial review in January 1996, Members raised concerns about this transfer and asked that the government provide a detailed briefing on the issue. It is only now, after the transfer has been completed, that such a briefing is being scheduled. Committee Members were also disappointed that the government did not consult with stakeholders prior to completing the transfer.
In the future, when the government is undertaking major organizational or program changes, the committee expects that information about the changes will be provided well in advance. This will allow the Members to review the information and either offer suggestions and recommendations or provide support for such a change.
Liquor Revolving Fund
During the January and February reviews, the committee raised concerns about the large amounts of capital being retained under the liquor revolving fund. Members recommended that the government make better use of these dollars by decreasing and monitoring inventory levels and negotiate more timely delivery dates with liquor manufacturers. The committee will be looking for cost savings in this area during the fall 1996 review of the business plan.
Liquor Boards
Committee Members raised concerns over the cost of maintaining the current Liquor Board structure. Members were told that each board had up to nine members, but required only three to establish a quorum. The committee feels this is another area of ineffectiveness and recommends that the department amend its legislation to reduce the total number of board members from nine to five. The committee further asks that those amendments be initiated by the department as soon as possible. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.