Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The $75,000 identified in the interim appropriations report was for bush camp capital contributions. We do have a directive that is an internal policy on open custody wilderness camp equipment, a capital contribution all the bush camps are entitled to. I have checked since the committee meeting. This particular $75,000 is for replacement of different equipment such as snowmobiles, boats, outboard motors and other related equipment necessary for the delivery of the program.
As you know, April 1st is the beginning of our fiscal year, and the camp operators are aware that this is when new money kicks in. We are anticipating that there are going to be some requests for replacement of equipment. I am told the department is estimating it will spend approximately $98,000 in capital contributions in 1999-2000 fiscal year to nine contractors. In this fiscal year, the department has signed contracts for 12 open custody wilderness camps. There are two new contracts that either have been signed or will be signed in the near future. With that in mind, we are anticipating that the $75,000 is not a slush fund, but is actually for a program the Member for Deh Cho, and according to the committee, is calling a very worthwhile and important program. Thank you.