Are there any more general comments, noting that we will get to particular sections later on? Seeing no general comments, we'll proceed to a review of the supplementary estimates by department. We'll begin on page six. Are there any general comments on this section, “Environment and Natural Resources”? Mr. Testart.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I note that there was a decision to transfer the Fur Harvest Management System from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. I'm just wondering if the Minister could inform the committee on why that decision was made and the benefits of the transfer to the operation of this program.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Testart. Mr. Aumond.

Thank you, Mr. Aumond. Mr. Testart.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I do understand that the transfer was made and it's just continuing through with the traditional economy activities. I'm just wondering why that decision was made from a structural viewpoint, why ITI's no longer responsible for the traditional economy activities and why that's moved over to ENR. And further to that, what the benefit of that to government operations is in moving the transfer of traditional economy from ITI, which is responsible for most of our economic programs, over to ENR.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Testart. Minister McLeod.

With the Chair's indulgence, I would like to direct that to the Minister of ITI.

That's fine. Minister of ITI McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

At one time when ITI and ENR were altogether in the Department of RWED, RWED delivered all of the programs for fur to the harvesters. When it was decided to split RWED back into ITI and ENR, it was felt that part of the fur programs would go to ITI and part of the programs would stay with ENR, although, in reality, most of the programs were delivered by the renewable or wildlife officers and ITI primarily funded some of the programs. After devolution and reassignment of some responsibilities, it was felt that it would be a better fit to have ENR deliver the majority of the fur programs. ITI would continue to look after the marketing side and market furs under the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program label. At this time, it seems to be working, but in reality, we'll probably be reviewing it again to see where it best fits. But as I said, ENR was delivering most of the programs anyways. To make it more effective and efficient, that's why it was done this way.

Thank you, Mr. Chai

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Testart.

Nothing further, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Testart. We'll consider the details of this section. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, capital investment expenditures, corporate management, not previously authorized, $65,000.

Environment and Natural Resources Capital Investment Expenditures, total department. $65,000.”

We will proceed to page seven. Health and Social Services, capital investment expenditures, administrative and support services, not previously authorized, $110,000.

Mr. Beaulieu.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman,

I'm just seeking some clarification. The briefing note indicates that this is for a program delivered regionally and in Yellowknife, yet the two handi-vans are to small communities. I'm just looking for clarification on that.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Minister of Finance, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair,

two vehicles were purchased for the communities of Aklavik and Tuktoyaktuk.

Thank you, Minister.

Mr. Beaulieu.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I guess it's not important, but I wondered why it indicated that it was for program delivery in regional centres and Yellowknife, yet vehicles are going to small communities.

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Would the Finance Minister like to respond?