The committee Members understood that the government was interested in hearing from the committee as soon as possible. They wanted the government to have time to consider changes, which could be incorportated into the GNWT budget for 2004-2005. The Members also wanted time to distribute the report and hear back from community representatives.

Thirteen recommendations were made to the GNWT:Capital Planning And FundingA. Provide better support to small community governments and assist them to do their own capital planning, project management and engineering.B. Improve the community consultation process by establishing a meaningful consultation process that is coordinated across departments, regions and communities and provides useful information about capital planning and funding.C. Modify the criteria for prioritizing projects by using fewer and simpler criteria and ensuring that community government facilities are included in the capital planning.D. Document roles and responsibilities for capital planning in clear language, so that it is explained for GNWT staff, community governments and MLAs.E. Increase the capital budget in order to realistically manage the replacement of the GNWT's aging inventory, respond to growth, and make up for previous years' shortfalls.Development And Prevention ProgramsA. Consolidate prevention and development contribution funding into one fund located in one department and increase the available funding. B. Simplify the administration of this funding and ensure that communities are supported in the development and implementation of a sustained community-based effort to create lasting changes in the lives of community residents and improve the well-being of the community.Access To ServicesA. Establish service delivery standards in smaller communities and be accountable for meeting the standards.B. Increase and strengthen access to policing services by expanding support for the community constable program and the First Nations policing program.C. Increase access to the home ownership programs by developing block-funding approaches with local governments and increasing the flexibility of housing program eligibility requirements.D. Emphasize the importance of prevention programs to increase the response to the alcohol and drug abuse problems in small communities.Other TopicsA. Implement changes in GNWT structure, organization and operations to ensure that GNWT regional staff can provide more coordinated assistance to the smallest communities.B. Publish plain language, user-friendly reports regarding capital expenditures, service standards, and programs and services in a timely manner.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleague, Mr. Lafferty, to proceed with the report.