Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to present the Standing Committee on Social Programs Report on the 2000-2003 Business Plans and the 2000-2001 Main Estimates.
Mr. Speaker, in the previous two years, departmental business plans were developed to follow the framework set out in a government-wide business plan. These business plans were developed in the absence of a government-wide business plan. Committee members understand that time-constraints involved in putting together the business plans and main estimates at the same time impacted on the ability of the government to develop a government-wide business plan. The business plans followed the same format as in previous years, and made it easier for committee staff and Members to move from department to department during their review. However, the disappointing lack of detail and recognizable targets and measurable goals provided in the departments' business plans will be a concern for the Standing Committee on Social Programs.
Members expect to see a government-wide business plan utilized in the formulation of the departmental business plans for the 2001-2004 planning cycle.
Committee members were disappointed with the lack of apparent cooperation between the departments in the social program envelope. Members feel that because the departments serve the same client base, there are opportunities that need to be explored by the departments in cooperation rather than isolation. These opportunities will be commented on later during the individual reviews of the departments.
Mr. Speaker, that concludes the introductory portion of the report. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Deh Cho, that the report be received and moved into committee of the whole.