Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, my opening comments for Public Works.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to present the Department of Public Works and Services main estimates for the fiscal year 2002-2003.
The estimates propose a department operations and maintenance budget for 2002-2003 of $41,300,000, and a capital acquisition plan of $3.8 million.
These resources will be used to provide critical support services to departments and communities, including:
- • The operation and maintenance of infrastructure;
- • Participation in the safe water initiative;
- • Management of capital construction projects;
- • Safety and inspection services;
- • Leasing of government offices;
- • Provision of records management services; and
- • Monitoring and intervention in northern and national telecommunication proceedings.
The department also manages an additional $100 million on behalf of its clients through a number of revolving funds, chargebacks and capital transfers. Through the use of these funds, the department provides computer and data communications services for government offices throughout the Territory, fuel services for 16 communities, and renovation and construction of critical building infrastructure.
As other departments work to achieve government objectives by delivering direct services to our residents, Public Works and Services provides necessary technical and professional support to those departments.
Mr. Chairman, there are many examples of the kind of support Public Works and Services provides to departments as they attempt to achieve an appropriate balance between:
- • The expectations of our residents for high quality services;
- • The practical constraints of operating in our difficult northern environment; and
- • The limitations of our current budgets.
I would like to take a moment to mention a few of those services.
The many successful building and infrastructure projects are often taken for granted, but I would like to mention today the new Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Centre and the Aklavik Health Centre, which are under construction this year, the community office complex in Rae Lakes being built by the local community development corporation, the new correctional facilities going up in Inuvik and Yellowknife, and the water supply projects in Tulita and Fort McPherson. These are all important community and regional projects that will contribute in a positive way to achieving the government's long-term objectives. Public Works and Services is a vital part of the team responsible for delivering these projects.
Public Works and Services also provides information systems and communication services for use by the government. More and more, the ability of the government to provide services to northern residents is dependent upon the availability of secure and reliable information and communication systems.
Another important role for this department is to be a key member of the GNWT team responsible for ensuring the quality of community drinking water. Working closely with the Departments of Health and Social Services and Municipal and Community Affairs, Public Works and Services provides technical support for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of community water systems.
Finally, I would like to mention the provision of essential fuel services. Through the Petroleum Products Revolving Fund, Public Works and Services funds the provision of heating fuel and gasoline in communities where a commercial operation does not exist. This includes providing safe tank farms in these remote locations, as well as contracting with and training local fuel delivery agents to provide the services. These agents have an important function in their communities and PWS works with them to carry out this essential service.
The department strives to provide fuel services on a break-even basis. In 2000, this required an increase in retail prices to keep pace with rising costs of fuel and transportation. In December, 2001, the government decided an increase was again needed. The effective date was set for February 1, 2002. Discussions with concerned communities and Members of this Assembly prompted a second look at this decision. In response to these concerns, the scheduled increase was rescinded.
Mr. Chairman, Public Works and Services tries to be responsive and will continue to provide a high level of support to departments and to the people of the NWT. The budget we are reviewing today will contribute to achieving this objective.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening remarks. I would be happy to answer any questions Members may have. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.