Can we expect to see legislative proposals for these two pieces of legislation in 2016-17? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. O'Reilly. Minister McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. That's what we're aiming for. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Any further questions? Mr. O'Reilly.

That’s all. Thank you.

Mr. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In regards to contract services, I notice a $271,000 reduction. Could the Minister please explain how this came about and how that has an impact on the department? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Minister McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We, recognizing the reduction in activity and low prices in the commodities market, it was reduced by $100,000 in Directorate and the rest came out of policy, legislation and communications, and -- sorry, $100,000 came from PLC, and the rest was Directorate. So it was basically contracting services to help promote development in the Northwest Territories in the mining and non-renewable sectors. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Any further questions? Mr. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just to clarify, so that's where, the promotion, through advertisement, newspapers? Or is that actually going out recruiting businesses, staff doing that or contractors doing that for us? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Minister McLeod.

That'll be part of it. Also attending a lot of the shows and so on. There are not as many shows, especially with the downturn of the economy. There are not as many opportunities to promote because of the very low prices of our commodities and the very minimal activity. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Any further questions? Mr. Thompson.

No, not at this time. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank the Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Any further questions? Mr. O'Reilly.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Sorry, I neglected to ask about one other piece of legislation that the department has indicated it's going to review as part of the mandate, and I think it's the Oil and Gas Operations Act.

So, in reviewing that act, does the department expect to deal with the issue of hydraulic fracturing? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. O'Reilly. Minister McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We've committed to a comprehensive review of all resource management legislation, including oil and gas legislation. Public concerns related to hydraulic fracturing can be most effectively addressed through amendments to the NWT Oil and Gas Operations Act and the Petroleum Resources Act and associated regulations, so we expect that there will be opportunities for a proactive public discussion on hydraulic fracturing through the development of the proposed amendments to the PRA and the OGOA. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Any further questions? Mr. O'Reilly.

No. Thanks, Mr. Chair. The Minister's got some great advisors there, giving him good briefing notes, anticipating lots of the questions. I do appreciate the answer from the Minister. Thanks very much.

Thank you, Mr. O'Reilly. I’ll take that as a comment. Committee, any further questions to page 236, operations expenditure summary, total activity, $8,422,000. Are we agreed?

Thank you. That brings us to page 239, economic diversification and business support, operations expenditure summary, total activity $21,087,000. Committee will defer this and go to page 240, economic diversification and business support; grants, contributions, and transfers; information item. Any questions? Mr. Vanthuyne.