Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The committee met with the Minister and his staff on March 17, 2000 to review the proposed 2000-2001 Interim Appropriation for the department. The committee made note of the following issues.
Forced Growth
The committee noted that in the opening remarks given by the Minister, the department gave notice that a "forced growth request for consideration of the Financial Management Board" was made recently but "was not reflected in the Interim Appropriation request".
The committee asked the Minister for further detail, and he explained the request is to ensure increased fuel costs are met for the remainder of the year. The request for $730,000 in proposed forced growth is still waiting for consideration by the Financial Management Board.
The department, at the request of the committee, agreed to provide further detail concerning the request.
Land Development
Committee members noticed that some communities received funding for land development whereas some did not. See page 3-4, Land and Buildings, Capital, Departmental Submissions, MACA, 2000-2001 Interim Appropriation.
In many smaller communities, capital projects including land development, provide much needed employment opportunities, and an important contribution to the local economy.
The committee reiterated its position for equal across the board funding cuts, instead of funding cuts to specific regions or communities.
The department, at the committee's request, agreed to provide additional details concerning all existing and proposed land development projects.