The standing committee met at the end of November to study the Program and Functional Review. The committee is concerned that fee increases presented in the Program and Functional Review will have a "trickle down" effect and end up on the backs of the residents who are already facing increased costs of living. Arising from the November meeting was a request for government to complete two assessments.

The committee has received the first assessment on the impact on northern businesses. The second assessment on the impact on individuals and families that reside within the NWT has yet to be received. The committee looks forward to receiving this information and notes that, for some departments, there have already been fee increases arising from the Program and Functional Review, incorporated into the 2001-2002 Draft Main Estimates.