Committee Motion 4-16(5): Concurrence Of Tabled Document 42-16(5), Supplementary Estimates No. 1, 2010-2011 (Operations Expenditures), Carried

In the Legislative Assembly on May 17th, 2010. See this topic in context.

Committee Motion 4-16(5): Concurrence Of Tabled Document 42-16(5), Supplementary Estimates No. 1, 2010-2011 (Operations Expenditures), Carried
Consideration in Committee the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that consideration of Tabled Document 42-16(5), Supplementary Estimates No. 1, 2010-2011 (Operations Expenditures), be now concluded and that Tabled Document 42-16(5) be reported and recommended as ready for further consideration in a formal session through the form of an appropriation bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Motion is on the floor. Motion is in order. To the motion.

May 16th, 2010

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Question has been called.

---Carried

Sergeant-at-Arms, if you could please escort the witnesses out of the Chamber. Thank you.

Next on our agenda, as agreed previously, is Tabled Document 43-16(5), Supplementary Estimates No. 3, 2010-2011 (Infrastructure Expenditures). Is committee agreed that we proceed with Tabled Document 43-16(5)?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Since we have agreed, I would now like to ask the Minister responsible, the honourable Minister Miltenberger, to please make opening comments on Tabled Document 43-16(5), Supplementary Estimates No. 3.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I’m here to present Supplementary Estimates No. 3, 2010-2011 (Infrastructure Expenditures). This document outlines an increase of $29.254 million for operations expenditures and an increase of $106.800 million for capital investment expenditures in the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The total supplementary request is $136.134 million.

This supplementary estimate includes:

1. $135.9 million for the carry-over of funding for infrastructure projects. This funding was approved and lapsed in the 2009-10 fiscal period.

The carry-overs for capital investment expenditures in this supplementary estimates represent about 34 percent of the 2009-10 revised capital budget. This percentage is equal to last year’s, but is significantly lower than carry-overs from the 2007-08 and 2006-07 fiscal periods, which were 48 percent and 43 percent respectively.

Given the significant size of our capital budget in 2009-10, a record $446 million, I am pleased to see that the new capital planning process, including the fall approval of the capital estimates, is yielding positive results.

1. $218 million for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to increase the planned size of the community learning centre on the Hay River Reserve, which will be offset by a contribution from the K’atlodeeche First Nation.

I am prepared to review the details of the supplementary estimates of the document.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Would the Minister like to bring in witnesses into the House?

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Yes, Mr. Chairman.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Does the committee agree?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

I thank you, committee. I’ll now ask the Sergeant-at-Arms to please escort the witnesses into the Chamber.

Thank you. Minister Miltenberger, can you please introduce your witnesses.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Margaret Melhorn, deputy minister of Finance; Sandy Kalgutkar, deputy secretary to the Financial Management Board. Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger, and welcome to the witnesses. I will now open the floor to general comments on Tabled Document 46-16(5), Supplementary Estimates No. 3, 2010-2011 (Infrastructure Expenditures). Are there any general comments? Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In regard to the Building Canada funds and the funds that we received from Ottawa, I noted that there are a lot of cost overruns associated with that program. I’d just like to know from the Minister exactly what are we doing to…because the issue I have a problem with, especially in this government, is that we have a new system and every time a community asks for assistance from this government, they’re saying, oh well, you get gas tax money so you should offset that cost from your gas tax money, and if the government is now saying, well, we’re not responsible, but yet I noted from a lot of these expenditures, which are over and above the expenditures of those items as they were presented by way of the Building Canada funds and also matching the funds from communities. So I’d just like to know from the department, have we set a precedent here in regards to a notion that you go to a community and tell them sorry, we can’t help you, but we’re able to help out other communities by investing government funds over and above the obligation that we have under gas tax? So I’d just like to know, if that’s the case we should ensure that we offer that to all communities regardless of the situation that they’re in since the precedent is now set.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If I understand the question correctly, I just want to reassure the Member that the process we have in terms of flowing money to communities, gas tax money or stimulus money, is done according to an agreed to formula and process and we’ve honoured that and continue to honour that. Unless the Member can give me a specific example, I’m not clear how to respond to this from a point any further than that. Thank you.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Just a couple that jump out at me is the bypass road in regard to Yellowknife where there was an arrangement in place. Apparently the project went over budget so this government came along and helped them out there. The same thing with the Inuvik paving project, which again, those large municipalities receive a majority of the gas tax money based on population, but yet when it comes to communities with dust control and those types of issues, realizing that communities don’t have the capacity to make any major capital investment dealing with chipseal or dust control, we don’t seem to have the ability to assist them. But yet, where they should have the ability to pay for these expenditures by way of their municipal gas tax that they do get because of the population it seems like they still continue to get dollars through this program. Thank you.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

The issue of dust control in the small communities is one that is on, and continues to be on, the table of the Rural and Remote Committee and we’re looking at some options for this year. In the past, once again, it’s not clear to me and I don’t have any information at the level the Member is asking about in terms of a possible Inuvik paving overrun or the other item or project that he mentioned. Thank you.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Maybe the Minister can check with his advisors. Have there been cost overruns on those two projects where the government had to come in with the dollars to ensure those projects went ahead?

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

With your indulgence, once again, I’d like to refer this question to Minister Robert C. McLeod. Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. We’ll go to Minister Robert C. McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The communities have contributed money to these particular projects. The bypass road, I know the municipal government, the City of Yellowknife, contributed a significant amount of money. The one in Inuvik, it wasn’t a cost overrun. They had an application in. These were all application based. They had an application in and because of the cancellation of another project, the decision was made to make another contribution of I think it was $263,000 or $303,000, but their share of it. They’ve paid over $3 million out of their own budget for this particular project. It was application based; they met all of the criteria of the projects. As far as cost overruns, I know the Inuvik ones for sure there was not a cost overrun. I’d have to follow up on the Yellowknife one, but it would be the municipal governments put in their share of it and the rest came from the Building Canada Plan. Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In regard to the Inuvik Paving Project, the estimate for the project was basically $2.8 million, which the federal share was $349,000. Out of that there was a shared cost between the territorial government and the municipal government of $2.45 million. So I’d like to know what is the breakdown for that particular amount in regard to the infrastructure funding that was allocated.

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you. The federal government’s share was exactly as the Member pointed out and the balance came from the municipal government.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just wanted to comment briefly on the $135.9 million in carry-overs for infrastructure projects. I’ve given the government credit in the past for its infrastructure plan and the new way it looks at capital projects. Maybe what I’m really looking for is a comment from the government on this. Even at 34 percent, it’s still a large number that we’re looking at carrying over. It’s $136 million. I’m just wondering if we have a game plan going forward. I know we’re going to revert back to more historic numbers a couple years from now and that’s $75 million a year in capital, but what is the plan for getting this money out the door and getting these projects done? Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The capital plan, all these projects are on the books. They, to one degree or another, have work underway and we’re going to continue to conclude those, carry them forward and hopefully conclude them. If they’re single year and if they’re multi-year, we’ll deal with those over the proposed life expectancy in addition to the projects we have this year. We’ll be working very hard to make sure that we don’t exceed the 34 percent overall that we carried over for two years in a row now. Thank you.

David Ramsay Kam Lake

I guess, if I could, I’d like to see us, you know, we’ve got 16 months left to try to get as much of this money out there as we possibly can in the next 16 months and get it working for the people and the economy here in the Northwest Territories. Maybe if the Minister could just comment on whether or not the government believes that the majority of our capital plan, what remains in the capital plan including the carry-overs will be concluded prior to October 2011. Thank you.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

With your indulgence again, I’d ask Minister Michael McLeod to speak to the broader system of capital planning through Public Works and Services.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Minister Michael McLeod.

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, as the Members are aware, we have changed our system in the last few years to become more efficient and have our capital plan delivery more effective. We’re certainly starting to see the results of that. We’ve had a very large capital budget for the last couple of years and it’s been, I think, still proven that we can move these forward. We have a fairly large carry-over. Percentage-wise it’s not as large as what we’ve had historically, but I can confirm to the Member that I think in excess of 90 percent of these projects are signed off, are in the system and they’re moving forward. So we should see these all dealt with in this coming year.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Any more general comments? Mr. Bromley.

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just a quick question. I understand that the stimulus dollars cannot be carried over beyond this coming March 31st. If that’s true, I’m wondering, do we have assurance that those dollars will be completely expended this fiscal year. Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It’s planned to have all that federal money expended within the time frames allocated, pointing out, once again, I think that we were probably one of the most successful jurisdictions when it came to taking full access of the opportunities that we had with the stimulus fund. Thank you.

Bob Bromley Weledeh

I may have missed it, but how much of the stimulus dollars have we carried over into this year?

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Mr. Minister. Mr. Kalgutkar.

Kalgutkar

I’m going to have to commit to getting that information to the Member. Thank you.

Bob Bromley Weledeh

I appreciate that offer and I’ll take Mr. Kalgutkar up on that. I think the main point is we need to be on top of that, because these dollars will disappear at the end of this fiscal year. It’s not usually, or often at least, that we have the opportunity to carry them over and this is sort of that last kick at getting those spent in a productive way. So we need to be on top of that and I appreciate that offer.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Not really a question but more of a comment. Are there any more general comments? Is committee agreed that there are no further general comments?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Does committee agree to proceed to the detail of the departments?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Detail begins on page 5. Page 5, Municipal and Community Affairs, operations expenditures, community operations, not previously authorized, $16.221 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Regional operations, not previously authorized, $10.388 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Total department, not previously authorized, $26.609 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

We’ll move along to page 6, Health and Social Services, operations expenditures, community health programs, not previously authorized, $440,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Total department, not previously authorized, $440,000. Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Can the Minister give us the total price so far for this project in regard to the dementia centre?

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’d ask to refer that question to Minister Lee.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Minister Lee.

Sandy Lee Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The total price tag is $15 million.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Is that $15.440 million?

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Mr. Chairman, there was an offsetting amount lapsed last year so this is not new money. Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. We’re on page 6, Health and Social Services, operations expenditures, community health programs, not previously authorized, $440,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Total department, not previously authorized, $440,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

We’ll move along to page 7. Education, Culture and Employment, operations expenditures, education and culture, not previously authorized, $2.051 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Total department, not previously authorized, $2.051 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Move along to page 8. Transportation, operations expenditures, highways, not previously authorized, $154,000. Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Again, can the Minister give me a total price on that particular project?

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’d refer that question to Minister Michael McLeod. Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Minister Michael McLeod.

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Mr. Chairman, I believe the final price was a little over $7 million.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

A little over $7 million? Are you talking $7.5 million or are you talking $7.2 million? What exactly was the price for this project?

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’ll commit to get the Member the specific figure, including the $154,000 that’s lapsed. Thank you.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

My understanding is that the project was originally priced at $7 million, which was supposed to be $2.5 million in regard to the federal stimulus money and also the $2.5 million was supposed to come from the City of Yellowknife, but now they are saying it is over the $7 million price tag. I would just like to know exactly how much over. Thank you.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Mr. Chairman, I will just reiterate the commitment to provide that information to committee.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. We are on page 8, Transportation, operations expenditures, highways, not previously authorized, $154,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Total department, not previously authorized, $154,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

We will move along to page 9, Legislative Assembly, capital investment expenditures, Office of the Clerk, not previously authorized, $431,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Total department, not previously authorized, $431,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

We are moving along to page 10, Department of Finance, capital investment expenditures, office of the chief information officer, not previously authorized, $309,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Total department, not previously authorized, $309,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

We are moving along to page 11, Municipal and Community Affairs, capital investment expenditures, regional operations, not previously authorized, $67,000.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Mr. Menicoche.

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just with respect to the details of the $67,000, what is that being used for?

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Mr. Chairman, once again I will commit to get the information for the Member.

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Mr. Chairman, I am hoping that it is to finish off the flooring at the Nahanni Butte gymnasium. I don’t know if he can answer that quickly at all. Thank you.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Mr. Chairman, I will refer that one to Minister Robert C. McLeod.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Minister Robert C. McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The $67,000 is for funding to rectify outstanding deficiencies, so any deficiencies would be taken care of with the $67,000. Thank you.

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you very much. Perhaps we have to pursue it further tomorrow. I just wanted to get details on the completion of the floor for the Nahanni Butte gymnasium, but if they don’t have that, I can ask that in the House tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. I didn’t hear a question. We will go back to page 11, Municipal and Community Affairs, capital investment expenditures, regional operations, not previously authorized, $67,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Total department, not previously authorized, $67,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

We are moving along to page 12, Public Works and Services, capital investment expenditures, asset management, not previously authorized, $8.125 million. Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would just like to know, since there is $406,000 going into the office building in Inuvik, is that a cost overrun for the building since it is not previously authorized? Is that over and above the original price for that facility?

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Mr. Chairman, that is carrying over. Thank you.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Can the Minister give me the final price as expected for that facility?

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Mr. Chairman, I will commit to get that complete project information for the Member.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

If the Minister doesn’t have it, maybe one of his counterparts might have it, so maybe he can suggest a further question to the Minister of Public Works.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

What I will do is just reiterate my commitment. We will get that information for committee. Thank you.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

I will wait.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. We are on page 12, Public Works and Services, capital investment expenditures, asset management, not previously authorized, $8.125 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Petroleum products, not previously authorized, $2.735 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Technology Service Centre, not previously authorized, $2.420 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Total department, not previously authorized, $13.280 million. Mr. Krutko.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Again, with the Technology Service Centre, I would like to know if that project is on budget and are we going to hopefully not see any cost overruns. Could I get a price on that one?

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Mr. Chairman, I will refer this to Minister McLeod about the new data centre in Yellowknife for $2.379 million and whether it is on budget.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. We will go to Minister Michael McLeod.

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The new data centre is a multi-year contract that has already been awarded. It is a $7.2 million contract. Work is well underway and the project is currently scheduled for completion by September 2010.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister McLeod. I think the question also included is it on budget? Thank you.

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Of course, Mr. Chairman.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am not asking questions in spite. I want to make sure that we are trying to be fiscally responsible. We realize we are probably going to have a tough year next year. I want to make sure that we monitor these programs going forward. I think that it is important to get this information hopefully by the time we conclude this. I would just like to ensure that we are on budget and we are trying to control the expenditures on these projects and we don’t have them run away from us like the Deh Cho Bridge.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. That is more of a comment. I won’t refer to the Minister. Next on the list is Mr. Bromley.

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think that comment that Mr. Krutko made is completely in line with the concern that many of us have, given our fiscal situation and so on. Basically the wording that is used here, “an offsetting amount was lapsed in the 2009-2010 fiscal year,” doesn’t clarify whether the project was on budget, whether exactly the same amount was lapsed as being proposed for expenditure here. If that is actually the case, maybe the Minister could just say yes in every case. These are simply the same dollars and that would clarify it, but if not, then I would like to say that Mr. Krutko’s question is relevant. Are we on target and on budget with all of these projects? We should get an update as soon as possible on that. Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Mr. Chairman, just to point out that we are carrying over lapsed funds from one year to the next, but the issue of the project updates I will refer that to Minister Michael McLeod in terms of a commitment to or is there a request made for information on all of the projects referred to, with your indulgence. Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. We will go to Minister Michael McLeod.

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We do have a very large capital budget as we had over the last couple of years. We have managed, through Public Works, $162 million worth of projects. We have status reports including the budget amounts Mr. Krutko is asking about. We could provide an update. We can give the status of each and every project that we have under our responsibilities. We would be glad to do that at any point.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Mr. Bromley.

Bob Bromley Weledeh

I think I will leave it at that. I think that the concern is clear. We will accept new information.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. We are on page 12, Technology Service Centre, not previously authorized, $2.420 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Total department, $13.280 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Okay, moving along to page 13, Health and Social Services, capital investment expenditures, health services programs, not previously authorized, $19.498 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Community health programs, not previously authorized, $3.555 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Total department, not previously authorized, $23.053 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Moving along to page 14, Justice, capital investment expenditures, court services, not previously authorized, $100,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Community justice and corrections, not previously authorized, $1.073 million. Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

I just noted that there is the Inuvik Young Offender Facility. Is it $500,000. Could you just give us an illustration of what that $500,000 is for?

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Minister Miltenberger. Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Mr. Kalgutkar.

Kalgutkar

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The $553,000 is to carry over funding to complete the engineering study on their foundation work.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Kalgutkar. Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

I’d like to ask, are there any other facilities that are falling in this category for infrastructure? Because I think that foundation problem can be pretty expensive. Are there other of these types of projects coming forward in regard to foundation problems in the Inuvik region?

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Not that I am aware of. Thank you.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

I thought he would say yes, because it is a reality of structural problems in the Inuvik region, especially to do with pilings and I think there is a report out there, an intensive report, on public facilities in the Inuvik region over the last number years. So I’m just wondering, realizing that this is one facility for half a million dollars dealing with foundations. So I’d just like to ask the Minister if he can look at the reviews and reports that have been done and come forward and identify those other facilities that have similar problems in light of the budget going forward, because I think it’s important that we do have that information when making these types of decisions. Thank you.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

I’ll refer that question to Minister Michael McLeod.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Minister Michael McLeod.

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Mr. Chairman, we have a number of projects that are listed under deferred maintenance that will involve foundation work and pile repair, including the Moose Kerr School. There’s work that’s being carried over from that facility. Also the park visitors centre in Fort McPherson. There’s a retrofit in Whati, the Grand de Tour Apartments need work and the Arctic Family Medical Clinic and nurses’ residence in Inuvik. We’d be happy to provide more information to the Members if they so wish.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Again, I think this is something that we have to monitor closely, because with the changing climate, as we can see, this problem is going to become more apparent, and if anything it’s going to become a bigger headache than we’d hope. I think it’s not only going to be public infrastructure, it’s going to be the majority of the infrastructure by way of roads, buildings and also looking at the foundation of movement around communities. I think that we have to keep a close eye on that. So I’d just like to request that we do get updates on this going forward, realizing there is a situation that we have to monitor closely. Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That request would be captured under the commitment by Minister Michael McLeod to provide a project update on all the projects contained in this carry-over. Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Next on the list, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m just wondering on the North Slave Correctional Centre, the flooring replacement, that building is not that old. It’s coming on eight years, I suppose. Why would we be needing to replace the floor for $141,000? I guess the second question would be why couldn’t what would be a project that you think would get done in one year couldn’t get done? Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The information I have indicates this was a two-phase project. They’re into the second phase. I’d have to commit to get that detail of exactly the condition, what happened that contributed to the money being required for the flooring, but they’re into the second phase of completing the project. So I’ll commit to get that information. Thank you.

David Ramsay Kam Lake

I guess if the Minister is going to get that information, I’d like to know, given the fact that that’s an institution, I mean the flooring that would go into a facility like that should be of a grade and a quality that’s going to stand the test of time and not need to be replaced six or seven years out. So maybe if the Minister could find out if there is any kind of warranty or any kind of provision for whoever put it in to help in the replacement cost of it, that would be great. Thank you.

The Chair Bob Bromley

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just to point out that this project was approved in the 2009-10 capital planning process with all the attendant and accompanying documentation, but I’ll commit to provide an update to the Member or to the committee in keeping with Minister McLeod’s commitment. Thank you.

The Chair Bob Bromley

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Further, Mr. Ramsay? Thank you. Committee, we’re on page 14, community justice and corrections, $1.073 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Bob Bromley

I’ll just have to repeat that, $1.073 million, not previously authorized.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Bob Bromley

Thank you. Services to the public, $355,000, not previously authorized. Ms. Bisaro.

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do have a question in regard to these two projects. I understand from the background information that these projects are being done in partnership and consultation with Nunavut. Could I get an explanation as to why we’re doing it in partnership with Nunavut? Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The main reason would be that when division came, we basically kept the same systems in both territories and I’m assuming any updates to the technology or the databases would be similar, so there are economies of scale possibly by cooperating and sharing those efforts. Thank you.

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thanks for the explanation. I guess my next question would then be if we are sharing the system, are we also sharing the costs? Thank you.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Yes, Mr. Chairman, and part of the delay has been the paperwork and information flowing back and forth between jurisdictions. Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. We’re on page 14, services to the public, not previously authorized, $355,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Agreed. Total department, not previously authorized, $1.528 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Agreed. We’re on page 15, Education, Culture and Employment, capital investment expenditures, education and culture, not previously authorized, $23.883 million. Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Again, in regard to the capital carry-overs, the Inuvik school project, $21 million. Again, with that large amount of carry-overs, is the project on schedule and to be completed by a specific date previously scheduled? Are we looking at a delay and is it on budget?

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will refer that question to Minister Michael McLeod.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Minister Michael McLeod.

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the Inuvik school project is probably our largest building project that we have in Public Works and Services, at $115 million. We have a carry-over of $21.66 million for this project. This is a result of an accumulation of the budget over several years. As the project was being planned, there was money being built up and now we are expending those dollars. The project is on schedule, is on time and is on budget. Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just keeping the Members informed of the process and, more importantly, ensuring we keep the project on budget and control the expenditures of the government realizing we are looking at tough times going ahead. So I’m just keeping that in mind. Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. More of a comment. Next on my list, Ms. Bisaro.

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I note in this section that Ecole St. Joe’s portable classroom for $175,000. This is a new school project, I thought. I’m wondering why we’re spending money on portables. Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Minister Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Funding for the modular units was approved in 2007-08 Supplementary Appropriation No. 2. Modular units were located in Ecole St. Joseph site temporarily until the renovation of the school was complete. Carry-over of funding is required to relocate the modular units to allow phase three of Ecole St. Joseph renovation...(inaudible)...project to be complete. The modular units might be removed from Ecole St. Joseph site June 2010.

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

If I could ask the Minister to advise where these units are going. Thank you. Where they are being moved to?

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

I’ll commit to get that information for committee.

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

We’re on page 15, Education, Culture and Employment, capital investment expenditures, education and culture, not previously authorized, $23.883 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Advanced education and careers, not previously authorized, $2.833 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Total department, not previously authorized, $26.716 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Move along to page 16, Transportation, capital investment expenditures, airports, not previously authorized, $8.558 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Highways, not previously authorized, $30.078 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Moving along to page 17 still on the Department of Transportation, Transportation, continued, capital investment expenditures, marine, not previously authorized, $172,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Road licensing and safety, not previously authorized, $921,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Total department, not previously authorized, $39.729 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Let’s move along to page 18, Industry, Tourism and Investment, capital investment expenditures, tourism and parks, not previously authorized, $1.372 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Total department, not previously authorized, $1.372 million.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Moving along to page 19, Environment and Natural Resources, capital investment expenditures, corporate management, not previously authorized, $211,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Forest management, not previously authorized, $184,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Total department, not previously authorized, $395,000.

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Okay. Does committee agree that we have concluded consideration of Tabled Document 43-16(5), Supplementary Estimates No. 3, 2010-2011 (Infrastructure Expenditures)?

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

The Chair Glen Abernethy

Mr. Ramsay.

Committee Motion 4-16(5): Concurrence Of Tabled Document 42-16(5), Supplementary Estimates No. 1, 2010-2011 (Operations Expenditures), Carried

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