Thank you, Madam Chair. I am pleased to present the Department of Public Works and Services' main estimates for the fiscal year 2005-06.
The main estimates propose a department operations and maintenance budget for 2005-06 of $44.3 million and an infrastructure investment plan of $7.8 million. This is a .08 percent decrease over the 2004-2005 Main Estimates.
Public Works and Services provides necessary technical and professional support to other departments as they work to achieve government objectives by delivering direct services to our residents. The resources of Public Works and Services are used to provide support services to departments and communities including:
- • management of capital construction projects;
- • renovation and construction of territorial and community infrastructure;
- • operation and maintenance of infrastructure;
- • technical support in the provision of community drinking water;
- • computer and data communication services for government offices throughout the territory;
- • leasing of government offices; and,
- • records management services.
The department also manages an additional $80 million on behalf of its clients through a number of revolving funds, chargebacks and capital transfers.
In providing services to other departments, Public Works and Services works 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 recent building and infrastructure projects:
- • the new community office building in Trout Lake;
- • the new academic building for Aurora College in Inuvik;
- • renovation of the health centre in Sachs Harbour;
- • the new water treatment systems in Tsiigehtchic and Sachs Harbour; and,
- • the new wetlands sewage treatment system for Wha Ti.
All of these are important community, regional and territorial facilities that will contribute in a positive way to achieving the government's long-term objectives. Public Works and Services is part of the team responsible for delivering these projects.
Another important role for this department is to be a part of the GNWT team responsible for ensuring the quality of community drinking water, working closely with the departments of Health and Social Services, Municipal and Community Affairs, and Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development.
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 Public Works and Services works with them to carry out this important service.
Public Works and Services continues to strive to be responsive to its many clients and to provide a high level of support to departments and the people of the Northwest Territories. The budget that we are reviewing today will contribute to achieving this objective.
That concludes my opening remarks. I would be happy to answer any questions Members may have. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.