Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to present the Department of Public Works and Services main estimates for the fiscal year 2000-2001.
The estimates propose an operations and maintenance budget for 2000/2001 of $39.1 million and a capital acquisition plan of $5.5 million. The department will have 193 positions funded within the appropriation.
These resources will be used to provide critical support services to departments and communities including:
- • the operation and maintenance of infrastructure;
- • management of capital construction projects;
- • safety and inspection services leasing of government offices;
- • provisions of records management services; and
- • monitoring and intervention in northern and national telecommunication proceedings.
As other departments work to achieve government objectives by delivering direct services to our residents, Public Works and Services provides necessary technical and professional support to those departments.
Mr. Chairman, there are many examples of the kind of support Public Works and Services has given and continues to give as departments attempt to achieve an appropriate balance between the expectations of our residents for high quality services, the practical constraints of operating in our difficult northern environment and the limitations of our current budgets.
The many successful building and infrastructure projects are often taken for granted, but I would like to mention today the extensive renovations to Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife which are being completed this year, the renovation of the Fort Liard and Fort Resolution schools which will begin this summer, the retrofit of Trail Cross Centre in Fort Smith, and the water supply projects underway in Tulita and Fort McPherson. These are all critical community projects that will contribute in a positive way to achieving the government's long-term objectives.
PWS does not work alone. Its ability to contribute to achieving government objectives is dependent upon its ability to work in partnership with its clients, communities, suppliers and the NWT construction industry.
Recently the department published a guidebook called Good Building Practice for Northern Facilities, which collects experience and knowledge about the design and construction of quality, cost-effective buildings in the North. Everyone in the NWT will benefit from the co-operation and mutual support that contributed to this publication.
There is another important role of this department, which is the basic provision of essential fuel services. Through the Petroleum Products Revolving Fund, Public Works and Services funds the provision of essential heating fuel and gasoline in 17 communities where a commercial operation does not exist. This includes providing safe tank farms in these remote locations as well as hiring and training local contractors to deliver fuel services. These small businesses have an important function in these small communities, and PWS works with its contractors to carry out this essential service.
Finally, Public Works and Services provides information systems and communication services for use by the government. More and more the ability of the government to provide services to northern residents is dependent upon the availability of these systems. These services are funded through charge back to client departments.
Mr. Chairman, the proposed budget is comparable to last year's budget. Public Works and Services expects to continue to provide a high level of support services to departments within the same budget. No major changes have been proposed for the new fiscal year.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening remarks. I would be happy to answer any questions Members may have. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.