Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development has the mandate 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. It is also responsible for the promotion of sustainable development through the management and protection of the quality, diversity and abundance of natural resources and the integrity of the environment.

In order to fulfill its responsibilities, the department is organized into the following ongoing activities: corporate management, environmental protection, resource management and economic development, and forest management.

The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development met with the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development and his staff on Thursday, January 18, 2001 to review the department's main estimates for 2001-2002. Committee members noted a $1,312,000 increase in operations expense for the department from their 2001-2004 business plan. This arose from:

• • a $1,414,000 increase in compensation and benefits resulting from the recent UNW collective agreement;
• • a $18,000 upward adjustment in amortization estimates;
• • a $180,000 increase in Financial Management Board (FMB) approvals; and
• • a $300,000 reduction in other adjustments.

There were no changes in capital expenditures and in projected revenue levels from the department's 2001-2004 business plan.

During the review of the department's 2001-2004 business plan, the committee was concerned about the department's consultation process for the Wildlife Act. Committee members were apprehensive about the department conducting stakeholder consultations as this is done in standing committee when the proposed bill comes before the Legislative Assembly. The committee requested that an effective and timely consultation process must be developed as the life of the 14th Legislative Assembly is only another three years. The standing committee expects to receive a report that outlines the department's consultation process and projected timelines for the Wildlife Act once it is developed.