The next issue the committee dealt with, Mr. Speaker, is Evergreening, desktop computer replacement program. 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 FMBS. 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 on Governance and Economic Development recommends the government extend the current three-year replacement cycle for desktop computers wherever possible.

The standing committee also recommended in the report on business plans that the government consider the donation of computers deemed to be obsolete by the government to communities and non-governmental organizations. 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 services and purchasing for the GNWT. The standing committee would like to be assured that there would not be excessive additional costs for IT services once the knowledge management strategy is fully implemented.

The standing committee has referred this item to the Accountability and Oversight committee for consideration by all Regular Members. Mr. Speaker, that concludes the introductory comments of the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development Report on the Review of the Draft 2003-2004 Main Estimates.