The members of the standing committee noted that the reviews of the Business Plans and Main Estimates were not combined this fiscal year due to an election and that the business planning and budgetary cycle is back on track. The departmental staff worked especially hard to have the business plans and main estimates ready for committee review, so shortly after the last budget cycle. The committee appreciates the extra effort.

Committee members remain disappointed with the level of cooperation between the departments in the social program envelope. Members note that there has been some progress made in the harmonization of the income support and social housing programs and in the creation of the Early Childhood Development Action Plan. The real proof of how well the departments are cooperating will fall out from how the departments work together in implementing the strategies. The Standing Committee on Social Programs will be watching with interest how events unfold.