Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today, I am pleased to present the 1998-99 Main Estimates for my new portfolio, the Department of Public Works and Services. The department's proposed budget for 1998-99 shows the need for about $59 million in the operations and maintenance budget and about $1.7 million in capital funding. The department has a total of 370 positions. Fifty of these are associated with the nonappropriated activities of the revolving fund for petroleum products and the chargeback fund for computer services.
Public Works and Services has two priorities for the coming year. One is to work toward a smooth transition of departmental services when the Government of Nunavut is established. This requires particular emphasis on the activities of the petroleum products division because plans for privatization have changed and services are still very much needed in Nunavut and the Western Territory. As 1999 draws near, it is very important that our employees, suppliers and contractors communicate and work together at all levels within the department and the government so that critical services of the department continue to be well managed and well delivered. The department is also managing a number of the Nunavut incremental infrastructure projects and will ensure that they are ready, on schedule and within budget.
The other priority for the next year is to implement community maintenance agreements. Maintenance agreements are now operational in ten communities and are being discussed in 19 more communities. Public Works and Services continues to provide technical support for many of the services that are transferred to communities. The department is working with MACA to ensure that the process works smoothly. These maintenance agreements are a good way for the communities to gain experience in managing government infrastructure. That completes my opening remarks, Mr. Chairman. I will be pleased to answer the Members' questions.