Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS it has been four years since the amalgamation of the Departments of Renewable Resources, Economic Development and Tourism, and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, in an effort to realize program efficiencies and expenditure reductions;

AND WHEREAS the mandate of the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development includes responsibility for both environmental protection and economic development;

AND WHEREAS there exists both a perceived and real potential for conflict in striving to achieve objectives in these two program areas;

AND WHEREAS it is desirable to determine the extent to which the department is fulfilling its broad mandate in achieving the projected program efficiencies;

NOW, THEREFORE, I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, that the Legislative Assembly request the Auditor General of Canada to undertake a comprehensive audit of the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development and report thereon to the Legislative Assembly;

AND FURTHER that the Assembly request the Auditor General to complete this comprehensive audit as expeditiously as possible.

Thank you.