Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS the Department of Transportation has confirmed that improvements to the Dempster Highway in the Fort McPherson area have been postponed and that funding moved to address the Campbell River bridge reconstruction project near Inuvik;

AND WHEREAS two projects previously approved by this Legislative Assembly have now been deferred indefinitely to ensure significant funds are available for the completion of the Campbell River bridge reconstruction project;

AND WHEREAS the Minister of Transportation has indicated that the two deferred projects will not be proceeding until the next fiscal year;

AND WHEREAS directive 302 of the Financial Administration Manual requires the Minister responsible to advise the appropriate MLA and standing committee when a department makes any adjustment to a capital project that significantly affects the scope or timing of the project;

AND WHEREAS the Minister of Transportation did not provide the notification required in the Financial Administration Manual, either to the affected Member of the Legislative Assembly or standing committee;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for North Slave, that the Executive Council is censured for the manner in which it made minor changes to the 2001-2002 capital investment expenditure budget as agreed to by the Assembly without the prior notification, involvement and support of the affected Members and standing committee.