During the review of the Main Estimates the committee was informed that RWED once again has numerous vacancies -- 73 for this year. This committee has previously raised concern about the number of vacancies within RWED's department. While the committee recognizes that some of those vacancies are seasonal, others are not and require the hiring of casuals and contract workers to fulfil those necessary roles. The department informed the committee that it currently has 39 casual positions for this fiscal year. The committee would like to see these positions filled with permanent staff to ensure that necessary programs are being provided.

The committee also remains concerned about the department's admission that funds saved from vacancies are indeed being used for program funding. The department stated that there have been cases where some money does get transferred, but the funds pretty much stay in the same program area.

The committee is not reassured by the department's statement that the money is "pretty much" kept within the relevant division. The committee would prefer to see vacancies filled and program funding within divisions maintained at a planned and consistent level.

Committee members discussed the possibility of allowing the lapse of funding for vacant positions. The government could then reapply for funding for the next fiscal year when additional staff is hired to fill vacant positions. The committee will continue to monitor this situation and recommend changes to address this continuing problem.

Mr. Chairman, that concludes the Governance and Economic Development Committee's review report on the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. Thank you.