As was the case in the Report on the Review of the 2000-2003 Business Plans and the 2000-2001 Main Estimates, the committee again notes that salary dollars from vacant positions are being used to cover funding shortfalls. When positions are held vacant, programs and services suffer. Smaller communities are impacted more when positions are not filled, as there are fewer people to cover off the duties of the vacant positions. This often means that programs and services are offered at a reduced level or not at all. Members feel that monies approved by the Legislative Assembly for salary purposes should be used for such.