The mandate of the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development is to promote economic self-sufficiency through the sustainable development of natural resources and to enhance the creation of sustainable opportunities in the traditional and wage economies.

The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development reviewed the 2000-2003 business plans and main estimates for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development on Thursday, May 25 and Friday, May 26, 2000.

The committee observed an overall increase of $3.765 million (five percent) in the draft 2000-2001 main estimates from the 1999-2000 main estimates. The department reduced its number of staff positions by one. There are presently 458 positions in the department.

The committee is concerned the department is not able to effectively fulfill a mandate that includes not only economic development, but also that of environmental protection. This conflict may lead to a decreased ability to take full advantage of the current oil and gas resurgence, but to also properly manage the environmental challenges that come with increased resource development. In a motion made on March 31, 2000 in the Legislative Assembly that requested a comprehensive audit of the department, this potential conflict was also stated. The motion, however, was defeated.