We will ask if the Minister responsible for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development has any opening comments.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development has prepared its interim appropriation for the first four months of the 2000-2001 fiscal year. The $44 million requested in the appropriation represents approximately 60 percent of the departmental budget for last year.

Although many of the department's core business areas of capital and contracts are ones that must be expended at the beginning of the fiscal year, our forest management activity represents the most significant of these, with an allocation of $21 million. The only new initiative that the department has put forward in these requests is for development planning for the Liard and Mackenzie Valleys for $185,000. Mr. Chairman, that concludes my introductory remarks.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. The comments and remarks of the committee responsible for this department. Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As the deputy chairperson of the committee, I would like to report on the results of our review.

The committee met with the Minister and his staff on March 18, 2000, to review the proposed 2000-2001 interim appropriation for the department. The committee made note of the following issues.

With respect to the issue of economic diversification. Committee members were concerned some activities, especially grants and contributions for economic development, may not represent value for money. However, the committee recognized that sectors such as fisheries, hunting and trapping represent more than a return on government investment.

The department explained that it uses an economic framework, which establishes parameters for investment. Prior to amalgamation of the department into the current Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, the latter entity operated as an independent department. The former department, Economic Development, had a grants and contributions program that the now amalgamated Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development continues.

With respect to the issue of funding for economic development. Committee members noted that over $6 million in proposed funding during the interim period has been allocated for firefighting. The committee supports the department's efforts to ensure a minimal fire season. However, the committee noted that it is difficult to obtain funding for economic development initiatives.

The committee reiterates its support for increased economic development in the smaller communities. In many communities, public sector investment is essential to their well-being.

On the issue of dual Ministerial responsibilities. The committee was concerned that the Minister responsible for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development is also the Premier. Committee members pointed out that the rationale for the addition of a Ministerial position to the current Cabinet was to ensure that there is an equal workload amongst the Ministers.

The Premier replied that certain sub-portfolios are delegated out from his portfolio to other Ministers. However, committee members were concerned a divisively managed portfolio may result in accountability and clarity problems.

The last issue was sole-source contracts. Due to time constraints, the committee did not have the opportunity to discuss sole-source contracts and may address this issue in the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. That concludes the committee's finding of our review. Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. At this time I would like to ask the Minister if he wants to call on any witnesses. Mr. Dent, do you have anything to add?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that we report progress.

There is a motion on the floor to report progress. The motion is not debatable. To the motion. Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried. I will rise and report progress. Thank you.

The House will come back to order. Item 20, report of committee of the whole. Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 6, Interim Appropriation Act, 2000-2001, Committee Reports 4-14(2) and 3-14(2), and would like to report progress with two motions adopted. Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of the committee of the whole be concurred with. Thank you.

Mr. Krutko, do you have a seconder for the motion? The honourable Member for Thebacha seconds the motion. There is a motion on the floor. To the motion. Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried. Item 21, third reading of bills. Item 22, orders of the day. Mr. Clerk.

Thank you Mr. Clerk. This House stands adjourned until Thursday, March 23, 2000 at 1:30 p.m.

-- ADJOURNMENT

The House adjourned at 6:00 p.m.