Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to present the Department of Public Works and Services' main estimates for the fiscal year 2007-2008.
The main estimates propose a department operations and maintenance budget for 2007-2008 of $51.8 million and an infrastructure investment plan of $8.4 million. This is a 9.9 percent increase over the 2006-2007 Main Estimates.
The Department of Public Works and Services provides management, technical and support services to departments and communities.
The department also manages an additional $141 million for projects and services on behalf of its clients through revolving funds, chargebacks and capital transfers. These funds are used to provide computer and data communications for government offices, fuel services for residents, businesses and NWT Power Corporation in 22 communities.
Overall, Public Works and Services contributes to achieving government-wide goals and appropriate balance for high quality services for our residents and operating within the limits of our current budgets.
I would like to take a moment to mention the Wood Pile Remediation Program. The progress made to date includes:
- • stabilization of the Grandfather Ayha School in Deline;
- • inspection of 1,400 piles under 16 buildings;
- • foundation rehabilitations to Arctic Family Medical House and Aurora College's trade shop in Inuvik and the nurses' residence in Aklavik.
All of these are important community, regional and territorial facilities that contribute, in a positive way, to achieve the government's long-term objectives.
In this last fiscal year, the department has implemented several energy conservation initiatives to reduce energy costs for the GNWT such as:
- • infrared thermal scanning of GNWT and community buildings;
- • inspection of building mechanical and electrical systems;
- • planning for the conversion of GNWT buildings to electric heat in Fort Smith;
- • application of guidelines for energy conservation design in GNWT buildings;
- • biomass heating system in the North Slave correction facilities.
The department 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. This centralized service plays a key role as we make the necessary investments to upgrade outdated technology equipment and systems.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, Municipal and Community Affairs, and Environment and Natural Resources.
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. In December 2005, petroleum products division was contracted by the NWT Power Corporation to supply required fuel volumes and manage its tank farm facilities in a number of the communities. 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 be responsive to its many clients and to provide a high level of support to departments and the people of the NWT. 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.