Mr. Chairman, the Member has pointed out that there has been a fairly large percentage of increase in this area and, of course, there are a number of cost drivers that we can point to. As it stands now, the departments are responsible for the cost in their areas. It’s fairly difficult for us to on our own put a cap on it, but that’s something that we can certainly have a discussion on. We can spend quite a bit of time talking and investigating the different areas that are driving the costs up. We’ve offered committee a more detailed briefing and that offer is still on the table if the Members would like to have it.

We’ve had briefings before on this. I think perhaps maybe I’d prefer a briefing on how we can put a cap on these expenditures so that they stay within the realities the rest of the departments are expected to stay within. That would probably be the best approach.

It’s not something we can do on our own, but we certainly can have the different departments have that kind of discussion with all the different areas that need investment, and the growing concerns of usage and support, and security and compliance, and all the different factors. But it’s very difficult for me to say, yes, we’ll

provide a cap. A lot of departments have requirements that would be affected. So we can look at the possible options. We can commit to having discussions with our colleagues and also have that with committee if that’s the desire.

I appreciate that the Minister is in a bit of an awkward place here. It’s just that all the numbers are here. If he would play a role or take the lead on that, it would be great. I know at home I use Freeware myself and it does all the same things. I know there are lots of specific and specialized requirements and so on. I think there would be ways... If people have to, they usually get pretty creative and inventive about how to live within their means. I appreciate that commitment. Just a comment.

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Next the chair is going to recognize Mr. Yakeleya.

No. No.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Committee, we’re on page 7-26, Public Works and Services, information item, Technology Service Centre chargeback.

That’s continued on page 7-27, Public Works and Services, information item, Technology Service Centre chargeback, active positions.

Page 7-28, Public Works and Services, information item, Public Stores Revolving Fund.

Page 7-30, Public Works and Services, information item, Petroleum Products Revolving Fund.

Page 7-31, Public Works and Services, information item, Petroleum Products Revolving Fund, active positions.

Page 7-32, Public Works and Services, information item, work performed on behalf of others. Mr. Bromley.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just wonder about the Beaufort-Delta Health and Social Services Authority maintenance services. Is that a number that comes in later? I’m just wondering why that seems to be missing here, if you catch that.

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Mr. McLeod. Mr. Guy.

Thank you, Mr. Guy. Anything further, Mr. Bromley? Page 7-32, Public Works and Services, information item, work performed on behalf of others.

Page 7-33, Public Works and Services, information item, work performed on behalf of others, continued.