Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to present the 2015-2016 Main Estimates for the Department of Public Works and Services. Overall, the department’s estimates propose an increase of $5.1 million, or 4.4 percent, over the 2014-2015 Main Estimates. These estimates continue to support the objectives of limiting expenditure growth in order to sustain the long-term sustainability of the fiscal framework.
Highlights of the proposed estimates include:
• an interdepartmental transfer of $6.1 million
associated with the consolidation of the government’s energy functions, along with associated positions within the Department of Public Works and Services;
• the creation of two new positions in Fort Smith,
one as part of the final phase of government-wide implementation of procurement shared services, and one to support the IT support services required for those health authorities transitioning to the Technology Service Centre;
• the continued investment in operations and
maintenance for new and aging building infrastructure to ensure its availability in the delivery of government programs and services will continue to be a focus for this department in 2015-2016.
The proposed Department of Public Works and Services’ estimates continue to support the priorities of the 17th Assembly. Specific activities in
support of these priorities include: • assuming responsibility for coordinating,
developing and managing energy policy, planning, conservation, alternative energy solutions, energy service delivery and monitoring programs. Consolidating these activities within the Department helps support:
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the development of comprehensive energy
policies and strategies; and,
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improving efficiencies in the planning and
delivery of energy programs and services.
• continuing with the focus on energy and the
efficiency programs in support of our priorities of effective and efficient government and building a strong and sustainable future for our territory. With the consolidation of energy functions in Public Works and Services, we expect further opportunities to improve upon our success of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs as well as new avenues to share this knowledge with the public and private sector businesses.
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By the end of 2014-2015 our annual savings
in utilities directly associated with the department’s energy efficiency activities is expected to grow to $1.7 million dollars a year.
The Deferred Maintenance Program remains an essential part of this department’s overall strategy to address the building infrastructure essential to the delivery of our government’s programs and services. This program continues to be coordinated with the capital planning process, energy conservation investments and our regular Preventative Maintenance Program to maximize its effectiveness. The current backlog is calculated at
$290 million, which has reduced significantly from the $470 million identified in 2007-2008. • As infrastructure projects in progress today are
completed they will replace aging buildings such as the hospital in Hay River, the old health centres in Fort Providence and Fort Resolution as well as the surplus student accommodations in Inuvik.
• While the department anticipates continued
pressure on deferred maintenance in 2015-2016 and beyond related to the normal aging of our asset base, investment in the Deferred Maintenance Program coupled with the timely disposition of surplus assets is projected to reduce the current deficit to $277 million.
It is through these and other department activities that Public Works and Services will continue to provide its many clients with the high quality of services they have come to rely upon and assist the GNWT and the 17th Assembly in achieving its goals.
That concludes my opening remarks. Thank you.