Thank you, Mr. Todd. I believe the Infrastructure Committee has opening comments. Mr. Henry.

Thank you. The motion is in order. To the motion. Question has been called. All those in favour? Thank you. All those opposed? The motion is carried. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The current financial information computer system needs to be replaced. Replacement of the computer system is estimated to cost somewhere between $6 million and $8 million. There was a proposal to share the existing computer system with the new Government of Nunavut, but the Interim Commissioner indicated that the new territory will pursue its own system. However, the most recent Auditor General's report posed serious questions regarding dual system post-division in terms of compatibility, data integrity and whether time will allow the proposed Nunavut computer system to be operational by division.

On the digital communications network, the committee was concerned that the proposed government server, the digital communications network or DCN, will compete with local private sector servers. Committee members were also concerned with the technical viability of the proposed project. Members understood that the deadline for completion of the proof of concept was November 30, 1997. The committee would like to receive a copy of the proof of concept when completed. The committee is also encouraged that the government is attempting to address concerns expressed by local service providers and anticipates a satisfactory resolution.

On the issue of staff housing, the committee was concerned that there are few housing options available to accommodate transitional staff such as teachers, nurses and doctors. Some professionals have difficult finding adequate housing or are forced to pay exorbitant rents for existing housing. This may deter other essential service personnel from relocating to some northern communities. The committee requests that the department provide a list of the remaining staff housing units by community and the age and condition descriptions of each of the unsold units. The information provided should indicate where units are not marketable at this time due to title or leasing concerns. Committee members would also like to receive a list of the units that are currently abandoned or otherwise uninhabitable.

On the question of pay equity, committee members were concerned about the costs associated with the ongoing equity negotiations. Members were also concerned with the length of time involved in these discussions and the potential liability of the Government of the Northwest Territories and the committee encourages the government to resolve this issue in a fair and fiscally prudent manner by March of 1998. That concludes the report of the Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Henry. Before we get into general comments, I would like to ask the Minister if he wishes to bring in a witness.

Yes, I do, Mr. Chairman, thank you very much.

Do we agree?

Agreed.

Yes, proceed. Mr. Minister, for the record would you please introduce your witness.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On my immediate right is the deputy minister of the Financial Management Board Secretariat, Mr. Lew Voytilla.

Thank you. We are reviewing Financial Management Board Secretariat. Are there any general comments from the membership? Mr. Steen.

Thank you. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That particular function is still retained by the Financial Management Board Secretariat and that is one of the areas that has not been delegated out. We maintain the responsibility for doing that. Thank you.

Thank you. General comments. Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you. Mr. Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In fact we did respond, I believe, almost 100 percent to the recommendations provided by the committee, in which, I believe, my honourable colleague was a member. We have initiated and are initiating the actions that were recommended by the committee and which we agreed upon between ourselves and the Executive. We are in the process of doing most of them as we speak.

Thank you. Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We are taking a three-pronged approach. One is we are initiating many of the recommendations made by the committee, and I think I did respond to the committee saying this is what we concur with, and we are going to carry on. Two, we will be preparing a policy paper to reflect the changes, I believe that is what my honourable colleague is saying. Three, we will be tabling, I believe in this session, affirmative action results by departments for my colleagues to review. Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Miltenberger.