Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to present the Department of Public Works and Services main estimates for the fiscal year 1999-2000. The estimates propose a department operations and maintenance budget for 1999-2000 of just over $37 million and a capital budget of just under $1.5 million. The department will have approximately 200 positions funded within the appropriation. In addition, the department manages the petroleum products revolving fund and provides systems and communication services, which are funded through charge back to client departments. A further 32 positions are associated with these non-appropriated activities.
Mr. Chairman, this proposed budget is very close to the funding level anticipated in the department's division plan. Through normal staff adjustments over the next year or two, it is expected that PWS will decrease to the planned size. In the meantime, the department will be carrying a number of extra positions and will have to manage those within the current budget. Many of these extra positions will be providing support to Nunavut in 1999-2000, through Nunavut service agreements.
There are two unique challenges for the coming year, Mr. Chairman. First, we will be continuing to support our former colleagues in Nunavut through service arrangements. Contracts have been established for service in the areas of asset management, petroleum products, and systems and communications. The second challenge will be in the preparation and response to the Year 2000. In addition to ensuring that the department's own information systems and workstations continue to function, we also have to ensure that the government's mainframe computer systems, telecommunications networks and building systems are ready for the century turnover. We have our computer systems ready. Non-complaint workstation computers and servers in the department have been upgraded or replaced. Work is also proceeding on embedded computer services, such as those in vehicles and building systems. Staff have worked with many of the manufacturers of building systems to review testing and updating procedures. PWS employees have been visiting each community in order to review GNWT assets and ensure service disruptions are avoided. Staff will also be giving presentations on Year 2000 compliance and providing assistance to other departments, communities and agencies. Overall, Public Works and Services and most GNWT buildings will be well prepared when the calendar turns to 2000.
Another departmental objective concerns the assessment and remediation of environmental liabilities at community tank forms. PWS has made substantial progress. In June, 1998, the department hired Deton'Cho Corporation, in partnership with Rescan Environmental Services and Vista Engineering, to do environmental assessments of community tank farms. In addition to inspections and sampling, a remediation plan will be designed for each location. This year plans will be developed for several communities assessed in 1998-99. These include Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic and Tuktoyaktuk. Assessments will be done this year in Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Rae Lakes, Wha Ti, Wekweti, Wrigley, Trout Lake, Nahanni Butte, and Jean Marie River. Mr. Chairman, I want to conclude my opening remarks by saying that I look forward to the year ahead of us. Thank you.