During the review of the 2003-2006 business plans, the standing committee took note that the GNWT appears to have adopted a three-year replacement schedule for desktop computers called Evergreening. The GNWT stated that, for desktop and presumably laptop computers, the government has concluded that a three-year replacement cycle is the best balance between functionality and cost.

The standing committee reviewed this program and decided that, while some computers involved in technical work such as graphics or mapping may need to be replaced frequently, other computers that are used simply for word processing may not. The standing committee recommended in their report on the business plans that the government review this program and extend the three-year replacement schedule wherever possible.

The standing committee was informed that all decisions regarding computer policy are now under the direction of the new chief information officer within the Financial Management Board Secretariat. In their reply to the committee, the government stated that it will review the program but still regards the three-year replacement schedule as a necessary expense.

The standing committee also recommended in the report on business plans that the government consider donating to communities and non-governmental organizations all computers deemed to be obsolete. The government agreed with this recommendation and stated that it would explore the options.

Members are aware that the Knowledge Management Strategy will attempt to centralize and harmonize computer service and purchasing for the GNWT. The standing committee would like to be assured that there will not be excessive additional costs for IT services once the Knowledge Management Strategy is fully implemented.

Mr. Speaker, that concludes the introductory comments from the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight on our report on the review of the Draft 2003-2004 Main Estimates. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, that Committee Report 3-14(6) be received and moved into Committee of the Whole for further consideration. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 93(4) and have Committee Report 3-14(6)...I have to wait to read that. I am sorry, I've gotten ahead of myself.