The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development had expressed concern that a number of new energy initiatives have been placed within departments that do not have the proper mandate for such programs and this appears to be duplicating efforts. The Hydro Unit has remained within FMBS and the Energy Secretariat has remained within the Executive Offices under the Cabinet Secretariat. Committee members suggested that a better coordination of efforts would result in greater efficiencies and better results. The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development is of the opinion that this issue has government-wide implications and as such, referred the issue to the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight for further discussion by all Regular Members.

After detailed discussion, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight in its review of the 2002-2005 draft business plans, recommended initiatives be placed within the most relevant department rather than within the department of convenience.

The government, in a recent information package submitted to the committee, replied that the placements of the energy and social agenda initiatives are currently under review. However, the draft main estimates still show that the placement of these initiatives has not changed.

In a letter to the Minister of Finance, dated January 11, 2002, the committee stated that:

During Committee of the Whole Consideration of Bill 14, Supplementary Appropriation Act No. 2, 2001-2002 on November 5, 2001, the Premier made the following statement and commitment to the Members:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have had a discussion with some members of the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight earlier today. They had said they were concerned about having the Energy Secretariat by itself in the Department of the Executive and seeing different elements of initiatives and interests within the government in different departments. I will look at making an announcement to address that. We will specifically look at moving the Energy Secretariat out of the Department of the Executive. That will be done within the next couple of days.

That is from Hansard, page 654. Further, the committee asked "would you please provide the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight an explanation as to why the 2002-2003 draft main estimates do not appear to reflect the commitments made by the government?"

To date the committee has not received a written explanation. However, during the review of the draft 2002-2003 main estimates for the Executive Offices, the Premier advised the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development that he would bring forward option papers on the placement and consolidation of energy initiatives during the February session.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight looks forward to receiving and reviewing the government's option papers on the delivery, consolidation and placement of its energy initiatives and environmental responsibilities. We trust the government will be able to provide the option papers to the committee in the next few weeks.