Petition No. 5

Question re:   Government renewal process, cost

Mr. Fairclough:   I would like to welcome the Premier back to the Yukon and hope her visit here is as enjoyable as the last visit that she made.

Mr. Speaker, the Premier likes to say that her government's restructuring plan will cost close to $900,000, as was identified in the supplementary budget.

Of course, this is just the tiniest tip of the iceberg, so I'll come at it another way. Can the Premier tell us how many public service person hours renewal has gobbled up since June 14? Just to make it easier on the Premier, Mr. Speaker, I'm willing to settle for just the hours used up by government employees from the manager level up.

Hon. Ms. Duncan:   The renewal project has received the benefit of a number of dedicated hours by individuals, both implementation team leaders as well as the members of the renewal team themselves. These individuals have committed many, many hours. I have seen them in the hallways, worked with them on the weekends, and in the evenings after hours on this specific project, as well.

I will ask implementation team leaders to take a moment and summarize the number of hours they have spent and provide the member opposite with a letter.

Mr. Fairclough:   Well, Mr. Speaker, I'm surprised the Premier doesn't have this information at her fingertips, since her renewal template contains something called "accountability planning".

Last week, about 100 YTG managers, directors, assistant deputy ministers, deputy ministers and probably even the associate deputy ministers, got together at Mt. McIntyre for a day of accountability planning. Given the salary ranges involved, that little exercise cost the Yukon taxpayers about $50,000 for just one day.

Can the Premier explain why she allowed this exercise to go ahead before the new departmental structure has even been decided on?

Hon. Ms. Duncan:   Mr. Speaker, with all due respect, I think there's some confusion in the member's mind about what the accountability planning process is all about. The accountability is a new framework for government. Beginning with the budget, it will be tabled in the spring session. At that time, we will also be tabling accountability legislation that will obligate this and future governments to take responsibility for results. That is beyond the measure of cost. That is a true benefit to taxpayers of the Yukon - accountability for the results of government action.

I can advise the member opposite that one of the points that I wish to undertake over the Christmas recess is to communicate with both the leader of the official opposition and the other leader present in the House to invite them to an accountability session, where we can go through exactly how this process works in order that they can better acquaint themselves for debate in the spring. We're more than happy to provide the similar workshop to members opposite, and if the leader does not wish to participate, perhaps members of his caucus will.

Mr. Fairclough:   That answer from the Premier certainly wasn't being accountable to the general public. In fact, Mr. Speaker, last week's exercise wasn't anything more than old-fashioned, strategic planning, as the member said. Maybe the accountability part will come later, and hopefully not with another $50,000 price tag attached to it.

Will the Premier provide a breakdown of all government employees' time that has been dedicated to this so-called accountability exercise so far, and will she also be accountable to Yukon taxpayers by cross-referencing that list according to the salary levels of the participants?

Hon. Ms. Duncan:   The process or the nature of accountability - that word "accountability" was ranked as the number one priority by Yukoners in discussions that this government held over the course of the summer. Accountability, Mr. Speaker - Yukoners want government to take responsibility for the resources that it uses. These are taxpayers' dollars, Mr. Speaker, and they have every right to know what results have been achieved for their expenditure, how they have been spent and how we're measuring those results. It's a refreshing look that Yukoners have not seen in place before. They want to understand what government expects to achieve with the expenditure of money, how it's going to do it and what the results will be. That will be clearly demonstrated this spring with the accountability framework being tabled in this Legislature, including this legislation, and we will be developing and enhancing the framework over the balance of our mandate.

Question re:  Government renewal process, layoffs

Mr. Fentie:   I listened with interest to the Premier answering the leader of the official opposition on her invite to an accountability session. I would point out to the Premier that we are in an accountability session. It's this Assembly, and this Premier and her government are held accountable here in this House.

The Premier should invite herself to an accountability session.

The last thing that should be done in these times in the Yukon is this misguided renewal attempt that the Premier is undertaking. There is a lot of confusion and uncertainty. We know 111 positions are already vacant, the staffing watch - and more through attrition and layoffs.

Now, there's another component to this. Many people who work for this government are hired on a term basis. Can the Premier tell us: will these term employees be encouraged to apply for full-time positions in the leaner, meaner restructured Yukon government, or will they be the first to go in order to make room for other government workers who are being shuffled out of their jobs because of renewal?

Hon. Ms. Duncan:   Mr. Speaker, we have been over and over and over why the government has undertaken renewal. Forgive me for repeating, but I need to once again advise the member opposite that the public is interested in renewal and so are the public servants who work for the Government of Yukon. The public has had many, many years of government that has asked for their ideas but has not implemented them. I believe that the ideas submitted by Yukon public servants and the Yukon public are well worth listening to, and this government is acting on them.

And I must, for the record, correct the member opposite's suggestion with respect to the economy, and I note that retail sales have increased by 2.3 percent this September when compared to last September. The inflation rate for the Yukon for the period of September 2001 to October 2001 has decreased by 0.8 percent - more than the national average. And, Mr. Speaker, most importantly - it is a figure quoted in budget speeches throughout the country - gross domestic product in the Yukon rose by 0.7 percent in 2000, which is up from 0.2 percent in 1999 and up significantly from the reign of the NDP in 1998 when it was down by 3.6 percent.

Mr. Fentie:   Well, I am glad the Premier has gone back to those stats because those are the product of the budget that these Liberals passed, constructed by the former NDP government, and it is through that balanced budgeting that those numbers were created. Under this Liberal government, the trends are going in totally the opposite direction.

I have another question for the Premier in regard to this misguided renewal process. Can the Premier give us a guesstimate of how many existing Yukon government employees she expects will either need retraining or will move to lower paying jobs but keep their present salary in this chaotic environment the Premier has created?

Hon. Ms. Duncan:   There is not a chaotic environment. The environment in the Yukon is an unemployment rate that has dropped from when they were in office. It's a climate where the total value of building permits has increased by some 6.8 percent. It's a climate where Yukon government public servants and the Yukon public feel that their ideas are welcomed in this government.

The member asked about term positions. People who are currently in term positions have a guarantee of a specific term of employment, and we encourage all employees to apply on vacancies as they arise. That is the current situation with respect to term employees.

Now, the member opposite was asking with respect to other staffing positions and Government of Yukon positions, and how the Government of Yukon will look post-renewal and after the announcement of a renewal structure. The fact is, Mr. Speaker, that this government will be better served and better able to serve the public, not only through accountability measures but by listening to Yukon government employees, who have made their suggestions well-known for a renewed government, and we will also be well-positioned for devolution on April 1, 2003 - an achievement previous governments were unable to do.

Mr. Fentie:   Well, the chaos continues. The Premier says that the Yukon public's ideas are welcomed by the Premier's government. I ask: how does the public get through into the bunker? How do they get their ideas into the bunker? This Premier is simply creating a totally chaotic and uncertain environment, which will further damage an already very critical economy, a very damaged economy in this territory.

Mr. Speaker, the Premier has talked about changing the culture of government. Many people who work for the Yukon government came here because there was a culture that fit their skills and their background. Now that culture is being turned completely upside-down because the Premier keeps the template for renewal a secret.

Those skilled and experienced people don't know what's going on, and they don't really have a say in the matter. The most commonly heard comment is, "How many layoffs, and when will they begin?"

Speaker:   Order please. Question please.

Mr. Fentie:   My question to the Premier: will the Premier give assurance that Yukon government employees caught in this culture shift will be given the option of a severance package, rather than being squeezed into a job that is less challenging and less satisfying than their current jobs?

Hon. Ms. Duncan:   Once again, it is the member opposite who creates any climate of uncertainty or fear, and fear-mongering seems to be what the member opposite is doing best.

With respect to the economy, the member opposite speaks of a damaged economy. Well, retail sales increased by 2.3 percent this September, when compared to last September. The inflation rate for the Yukon for the period September 2001 to October 2001 decreased by 0.8 percent - more than the national average, which was 0.5. The unemployment rate dropped from 11.7 percent in September to 10.8 in October. The number of EI beneficiaries in the Yukon decreased by 11 percent in August, compared to August of last year. The total value of building permits increased by 6.8 percent. The value of Yukon residential construction increased by 10.2 percent, and the GDP increased in the Yukon - up significantly from the years of the NDP.

With respect to renewal, we are working diligently on the renewal process. The renewal initiative is one that is long overdue, it's one that employees are working on, a renewal committee is working on, and the input of the public and the employees of the Yukon and the Government of Canada are important contributions to the successful outcome of the renewal initiative. Mr. Speaker, it will be successful, and I challenge the member opposite to have a look in April at the accountability framework, to participate over the course of January with us, and go through an accountability, and have a look at what the framework is. He will see that we are building a better government.

Question re:  Training trust funds, Yukon College budget

Mr. Jenkins:   I have a question today for the Minister of Education. Now, through his responses to questions in this House, the minister is trying to create the impression that Yukon College is attempting to take training trust fund money administered by communities away from them. As a consequence, the president of Yukon College was forced to issue a news release on November 29, stating, and I quote: "I am very concerned about remarks by our minister that could mislead our training partners and communities about the College's intentions. We have worked in partnership with training trust funds from across the Yukon and will continue to do so. The issue we have put before the public is a reduction to the budget of the minister's own department."

Can the minister advise the House why, with such a large surplus at his disposal, he would choose to cut $1 million from the community training trust fund, administered directly by the staff of the Department of Education? Why did the minister do that?

Hon. Mr. Eftoda:   There are 14 community and industry trust funds in place currently. In 2000-01, there was $1.5 million in community training trust funds accessed by Yukoners. At this particular time, there is $2 million in training monies available. There are a number of industry-based trust funds, funds such as the Yukon environmental training trust, Yukon forest training trust, Yukon mining and exploration training trust and Yukon tourism training trust that can be approached for training.

As a matter of fact, Mr. Speaker, if the members opposite would look at the papers on Friday, they would have noticed that two of these training trust funds are calling for proposals - one for TIA and the other for the Champagne-Aishihik/Haines Junction area training trust fund. So these funds are being made available.

Our government feels that the communities can best determine themselves the training needs of their residents. Each community or industry trust fund board makes the decision on what training is required and who does the training.

Mr. Jenkins:   All those great words, but what the minister is attempting to do is to use Yukon College as a scapegoat in order to deflect attention away from the fact that he has cut $1 million from the fund that was designed to prepare Yukoners for future jobs.

He still hasn't answered the question. Why did he make that cut?

Hon. Mr. Eftoda:  It doesn't matter what I tell the member opposite, the fact of the matter is that there is currently $2 million in training trust funds available now. The training funds are set up for communities and industry to provide training to their residents. The College has had campuses in the communities doing training long before there were training trust funds available. It is entirely the College's decision whether it chooses to operate these satellite campuses or not, but it is also up to the communities and industry themselves how they utilize those training funds and who they utilize to provide the training.

Mr. Jenkins:  Well, the minister needs a new briefing note because the bottom line is that there has been $1 million cut out of the training trust funds. Yukoners are out of work attempting to upgrade their work skills in order to improve their chances for future employment. They need access to these training funds. Is this just one more example of this Minister of Education pursuing the renewal initiative of this government? We have seen rural libraries - their funding cut. We've seen training trust funds cut under this minister. Is this another example of renewal?

Hon. Mr. Eftoda:   Well, one very obvious fact in the territory is that the unemployment rate has dropped from 11.7 in September to 10.8 percent in October. This is the lowest rate the Yukon has experienced since 1996. The facts speak for themselves. Whether or not the members opposite choose to accept them, that is their prerogative. There are 14 community and industry trust funds in place right now. There are currently, within the budget of advanced education, training trust funds available to the end of this fiscal year.

There is also, in addition to those monies, $2 million available, which is being held in trust for industry and for communities. Those community interests can best design, best choose what kind of programs they want, what kind of training requirements are needed for the community and who is best to provide that training.

If they choose to use the college campuses in the communities, great. If they don't, that's their prerogative, and we respect that, Mr. Speaker.

Question re:  Government renewal process, YDC/YEC

Mr. Keenan:   Well, congratulations to the Minister of Education for getting an early Christmas gift here in the form of a new briefing note.

I'd like to also point out - what a spin this Liberal government is giving us on the economy. The workforce has gone from the Yukon Territory, and they spin it to their advantage. That's absolutely disgusting.

Now, I do have a question for the Premier, and it's about this very poorly thought-out renewal plan of the Premier's. In the muddle surrounding the government's restructuring plans, there's one item, and that item stands out just like a sore thumb - very much like a sore thumb. I'm talking about what's going to happen to the Yukon Development Corporation and what's going to happen to the Yukon Energy Corporation.

The details are very sketchy around this but, apparently, the Premier now feels that she should be moving to put these corporations into whatever is supposed to be taking over the Economic Development department.

So, I'd like to ask the Premier: what does the Premier plan to do to maintain the arm's-length relationship that these corporations have with the government, if they come under the mandate and objectives of a line department?

Hon. Ms. Duncan:   The member opposite is raising questions around the aspects of governance. As the member knows, there are a number of Crown corporation-like structures, including the Yukon Development Corporation, the Yukon Housing Corporation, the Yukon Liquor Corporation and the Workers' Compensation Health and Safety Board, that come within the Government of Yukon. Each one of these has a different relationship with the government, and there are different aspects to it. We are examining that.

The member has only to go back and look through Hansard, and there was a ministerial statement that I delivered to this House that clearly outlined the objectives with respect to the Yukon Development Corporation, and the current minister responsible is in full agreement with those. That ministerial statement clearly referenced the governance issue, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Keenan:   Well, Madam Premier just scared me, Mr. Speaker, when she said that the minister responsible knows what is happening. I have been trying to get answers out of this minister this whole session, and other portfolios - not one has come forward. All that this has proven is that the Premier knows what the corporations of the territory are.

Now, underneath the final agreement, the Yukon government has obligations to First Nations under the Yukon Development Corporation, so I would like to ask the Premier what consultations took place with First Nations on this very move?

Hon. Ms. Duncan:   Mr. Speaker, Yukon First Nations have been consulted with respect to renewal in that I have personally spoken with the Grand Chief, I have spoken with the leadership and each First Nation chief has received a letter from me. We have also had administrative staff working to administrative staff, so the relationship of chief to Premier communicating on this issue and the relationship between administrative staff on renewal has certainly been maintained, and we have ensured that views are heard and recognized.

With respect to the Yukon Development Corporation, that is just one part of one Crown corporation and the member opposite, if he cares to go back and review Hansard, can see there that I outlined clearly some of the issues surrounding governance and accountability.

Mr. Speaker, the other point the member made was with respect to the workforce and employment in the Yukon. The Yukon labour force was 15,100 in October 2001, which is an increase of 100 from a year ago. The member previously stood on his feet and said that all workers had left the Yukon; in fact, they have not. It has grown by 100 and they are busy working.

Question re:  Government renewal process, tourism

Mr. McRobb:   It's no wonder people are confused about this government's direction. When it comes to the Yukon Development Corporation and Yukon Energy Corporation, it's pulling Crown corporations into the departmental tent. But when it comes to tourism marketing, it's heading the other way.

Now, the Premier is planning a big, central marketing agency for everything from attracting visitors to recruiting nurses and teachers and probably even for selling BST to China, Mr. Speaker. If the Premier had attended the TIA Roundup, she would realize that many tourism operators are very concerned about this scheme. But nobody on her side of the House seems to be listening.

Why is the Premier gambling on such a high-risk restructuring exercise in tourism when the industry-led marketing model, the Yukon tourism marketing partnership, is working quite successfully?

Hon. Ms. Duncan:   Mr. Speaker, this government is very well aware of the Yukon tourism marketing partnership. The three-year tourism plan has been done in partnership with the Yukon tourism marketing partnership. The fact is that the members opposite are using Question Period today to speculate on renewal and to speculate on what the renewed Government of Yukon might or might not look like.

The fact is, Mr. Speaker, and the facts are that we have been very clear. And one of the key aspects of renewal is communicate, communicate, communicate, and that's what we have done. We have listened to over 800 Government of the Yukon and Government of Canada employees. The implementation teams have been working with industry and with Yukoners who wish to make presentations either to me directly and the renewal committee directly or to members of either the committee or the implementation team.

The fact is that we're very heavily involved in this renewal exercise. We are going through and going to make a success of taking this feedback and listening to what Yukoners have to say about their government. The fact is that Yukoners have asked for accountability. Yukoners have asked that we be prepared for devolution, and Yukoners want better service from government, and government employees want to deliver better service. And, Mr. Speaker, that's exactly what we should do, and that's exactly what we are going to do.

Mr. McRobb:   Well, the government's communication on renewal has been about as clear as mud, Mr. Speaker. Now, this is looking suspiciously like one more tailor-made solution to pave the way to the trough for another well-connected Liberal. The reality is that there is a greater competition for fewer tourism dollars. Soon, the Yukon will face a barrage of marketing promotions from all over the world. Even if we hold our market share, it will mean a smaller piece of the action. This is no time to roll the dice on some half-baked restructuring scheme.

The tourism industry is nervous, and rightly so. Many operators see this as a government attempt to back out of its responsibilities to fund marketing efforts. Does the Premier realistically expect the private sector to pick up the slack for marketing in the Yukon, at a time when tourism is the hardest hit sector in the whole country?

Hon. Ms. Duncan:   The only thing half-baked is the member opposite's information on renewal. The members opposite do not know, quite frankly, what they're talking about. All they have to do is go through, read the renewal documents we have provided to employees and listen to some of the information that has been provided to them, but they choose not to do that.

With respect to tourism, Yukoners would be hard-pressed to find someone more persuasive on behalf of Yukon's tourism than our current minister. The fact is, I recently met with the Canadian Tourism Commission, which applauded not only the efforts of our minister, but also the staff of the Department of Tourism, and made note that the Yukon has led, and will continue to lead, the country in our efforts.

The Canadian Tourism Commission is very supportive of what the Yukon is trying to do and noted to me in that meeting by the current president of the CTC was that, yes, indeed, the Yukon had been the first in the door with applications for additional marketing dollars, just as the Minister of Tourism has stood on her feet and told this House, Mr. Speaker, if the members opposite would care to listen.

Question re: Women's Directorate location

Mrs. Peter:   My question today is for the Premier. Recently, the minister responsible for the Women's Directorate said that there will always be a policy unit addressing women's issues after renewal. The minister's direct words were, "I am not saying that there will be a directorate or that there won't be a directorate." There is quite a difference between a directorate and a policy unit. The directorate provides a wide range of services including a library that is very important to the community. So, will the Premier provide us with a sneak preview and tell us if she intends to move the Women's Directorate to Justice, to Executive Council Office, to a separate policy unit in each department, or will it just disappear?

Hon. Ms. Duncan:   No, I will not provide the member opposite with a sneak preview of anything. I have announced publicly that we are taking all the information to create a better and more responsive government, and I have indicated publicly that I would be making an announcement in mid-December. Today is the third of December, it is not the middle of December. The member opposite is welcome to attend the announcement when it is made.

Speaker:   Time for Question Period has now elapsed, and we will proceed to Orders of the Day.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

Mr. McLachlan:   I move the Speaker do now leave the Chair and that the House resolve into Committee of the Whole.

Speaker:   It has been moved by the government House leader that the Speaker do now leave the Chair and that the House resolve into Committee of the Whole.

Motion agreed to

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Chair:   I will now call Committee of the Whole to order. Committee of the Whole will recess until 2:10 p.m.

Recess

Chair:   I now call Committee of the Whole to order. We will continue with debate on Bill No. 8, First Appropriation Act, 2002-03.

Bill No. 8 - First Appropriation Act, 2002-03 - continued

Chair:  Is there any further general debate?

Seeing no further general debate, we will proceed directly into the departments.

Yukon Development Corporation

Hon. Mr. Roberts:   I'm pleased to introduce the capital budget for the Yukon Development Corporation contained in the First Appropriation Act, 2002-03. As members are aware, the Yukon Development Corporation is a self-financing entity. As a result of the revenues it receives from energy investments, this capital budget of a single line item represents a one-time $3-million contribution from our government to extend the bill relief program known as the rate stabilization fund, the RSF.

The $3-million contribution will be combined with the $1.2-million balance forecasted for the current RSF, once it expires on March 31, 2002, and up to $7.8 million from the Yukon Development Corporation over three years. The $12-million total will extend the RSF to March 31, 2005 and represents a $2-million, or 20-percent, increase over the previous program.

The new program will be kept at $12 million, but unlike its predecessor, the majority of these costs will not be borne by the Yukon taxpayer but by the publicly owned Yukon Development Corporation. The RSF will continue to subsidize electrical bills for basic levels of monthly consumption for residential, commercial and municipal customers. The different seasonal components will remain with all households, businesses and local governments receiving benefits during the cold winter months when power demand increases. In summer, consumers will have incentive to conserve electricity to save money and reduce the impact on the environment, as the subsidy decreases after 1,000 kilowatt hours for residential customers and 2,000 kilowatt hours for commercial and municipal customers.

The RSF is meant to provide temporary relief and maintain a lower cost of electricity for most consumers. It must act as a bridge in conjunction with other initiatives to achieve long-term rate stabilization.

Mr. Chair, in this regard, significant advancements have been made in energy efficiency and renewable alternatives over the last two years. It is our firm belief that these strategic investments will enable consumer bills to remain predictable and affordable both now and well into the future.

(1) Infrastructure construction, like the transmission line from Mayo to Dawson City, will save rate payers over $100 million in the next 40 years by replacing high-cost diesel generation with surplus hydropower; (2) residential initiatives, like the house call energy efficiency program, are helping households save money; 1,600 households are saving more than $200 per year through the house call initiative alone; (3) the residential electricity management program, REMP, and energy management plans for Yukon government buildings and schools are improving energy efficiency; (4) the community wind resource assessment program in wind research and development initiatives are actively identifying new sites for small wind turbine installations; (5) the call for expressions of interest earlier this year under the green power initiative resulted in proposals for future hydro, wind and alternate power projects that are under examination as part of our future; (6) the Energy Solutions Centre, a subsidy of the Yukon Development Corporation and partnership with the federal government, opened in March to provide technical services helping business, households and government identify opportunities for energy cost-saving and coordinate the delivery of territorial and federal energy programs; (7) the improvements of the commercial energy management program was dramatically increased uptake, and special agreement with the tourism industry under this initiative is driving facility assessments and energy efficiency investments in local hotels; (8) the renewable power sales incentive program was established to facilitate the sale of surplus hydroelectricity to businesses and government customers for heating purposes at a price much lower than propane or stove oil.

Now, the cumulative effect of these programs along with the extension of the rate stabilization fund over the next few years will reduce consumer energy costs and stabilize power costs while reducing the gap between actual rates and subsidized bills. They also decrease energy system costs, enhance utility revenue and lower greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

Over the next year, the Yukon Development Corporation and its subsidiaries will develop new efficiency and renewable energy concepts and programs for the residential and commercial sectors. For example, a wood stove replacement and educational pilot program will be promoted in Riverdale to increase the burning efficiency. The expanded use of photovoltaic systems will be investigated, and a greater focus will be placed on community energy management. These efforts will ensure that, over the long term, the territory maintains its position as a jurisdiction that enjoys among the lowest cost electricity in northern Canada and Alaska, and remains highly competitive with many southern cities.

This concludes my opening remarks, and I'm ready to field any questions from the members opposite.

Thank you.

Chair:   Is there any further general debate?

Seeing no further general debate, Vote 22, Yukon Development Corporation, line by line.

On Capital Expenditures

Chair:   Is there any general debate?

Hon. Mrs. Edelman:   I'm presenting 2002-03 capital estimates for the Department of Tourism. This budget reflects our commitment to stimulate and sustain economic growth and social benefits for Yukon through the promotion, preservation, development, interpretation and growth of tourism, historic resources, arts and cultural industries in the Yukon.

The capital budget reflects a decrease of $900,000 from our 2001-02 forecast. Priorities in this budget have been realigned. One of the highlights is $200,000 toward the planning and development of a Kwanlin Dun heritage cultural centre on the Whitehorse waterfront. This ongoing project is an obligation under our land claims commitment.

There will be $35,000 set aside for waterfront planning. The waterfront project will begin planning for the rehabilitation and use of the old fire hall/Yukon Energy building on the Whitehorse waterfront.

Over the years, many sites along the Yukon River have been allowed to deteriorate. The number of river travellers is increasing and many stop at unimproved sites at strategic locations, usually where there have been historic buildings. Of the few remaining sites that exist, many are not preserved and would be lost. This budget will see $20,000 protecting these attractions and creating basic facilities along this important corridor.

Hootalinqua will be a focus of the work this fiscal year. A visitor assessment survey found that about 2,500 people visit Hootalinqua in a given summer, yet there is minimal and degraded infrastructure there to support these visitors. First Nations and the Yukon Heritage Resources Board identified heritage trails as a priority. To date, only the Ridge Road heritage trail near Dawson City has been completed. The capital budget will invest $35,000 for research, planning and management of trails.

Trails near Burwash Landing will be developed in partnership with the Kluane First Nation as key ecotourism infrastructure.

The 2002-03 budget continues to support film development in the Yukon, with $175,000 made available through the film incentive program. The program positions the Yukon to compete internationally for film location activity. It trains Yukoners to work in the industry and provides Yukoners with incentives to develop commercially viable productions.

Maintaining or enhancing the level of film production activity in the Yukon increases the economic benefits associated with the film industry. An agreement in principle has been reached to bring the first television series, Call of the Wild, to the Yukon. This has the potential to provide significant economic opportunities for Yukon businesses and workers, and we are confident that we can announce full details shortly once the final approval has been done by the other partners.

This potentially can bring up to $4 million into the Yukon economy. The Yukon arts fund, introduced by this government in the spring, has shown overwhelming interest and success. This budget continues to support the Yukon artists, art groups and organizations. We continue to support the craft industry, as well.

My department will use $35,000 to place craft displays in visitor reception centres, produce feasibility studies to look at space for local artists, and for a wholesale buyers show this winter.

The 2002-03 capital budget will continue to support tourism research and planning in the Yukon. Regional tourism planning will continue with $73,000. A product development strategy will receive $40,000 in this capital budget to identify tourism development opportunities and set a course for future growth.

Tourism is contributing $25,000 to the Yukon business survey, which will implement a survey of Yukon businesses to collect economic data and provide analysis critical for measuring the value of tourism to the Yukon economy. We will work with our partner, the Yukon tourism marketing committee, to grow the tourism industry. These are our private sector partners.

The product development strategy was identified as a priority within the department's three-year marketing strategy that was developed with those partners. Mr. Chair, I'm quite willing at this point to entertain questions from the opposition.

Chair:   Is there any further general debate?

Unanimous consent re Vote 13 deemed read and agreed to

Hon. Mr. Kent:   Mr. Chair, I'm seeking unanimous consent from the House to deem the Tourism Department's capital budget for 2002-03 read and carried.

Chair:   It has been moved by Mr. Kent, and we'll need unanimous consent from the House on this. Do we have unanimous consent to deem the Tourism budget read and carried?

All Hon. Members:  Agreed.

Chair:   There is unanimous consent. We'll just go through the formality. Shall Vote 13, Department of Tourism, carry?

On Capital Expenditures

Chair:   Is there any general debate?

Hon. Mr. Eftoda:   This budget continues our commitment to the wise management of our natural environment, to the sustainable use of our resources, to increasing and improving and promoting economic opportunities and to public participation in wildlife management decisions.

The total proposed capital expenditure of the Department of Renewable Resources reflects a decrease of $455,000, or 25 percent, from our 2001-02 forecast. This decrease is due in part to the fact that the 2001-02 forecast reflects the supplementary of $100,000, which was for revotes.

Some of the major new changes and initiatives on the capital side are as follows: the 2001-02 budget includes $200,000 for the establishment of the new Tombstone Interpretive Centre.

There have been no funds set aside for this project in the next year's budget. We expect to finalize the re-design of this project during the current year. As this project may overlap into next year, we expect that the bulk of the construction work will be undertaken in the 2003-04 fiscal year.

We are budgeting $105,000 less for the development of agricultural land. We had budgeted $155,000 for this project for the first couple of years of its existence. However, we have found that this level of funding has been considerably higher than what is required. We would point out that these funds are fully recoverable through the sale of the development land. In 2002-03, we expect to work on the development of land in the Kluane area and in the Stony Creek/Ibex area.

The rest of the difference, $50,000, is due to minor fluctuations in the level of projected funding.

I'd like to point out some other items included in the capital budget. We are continuing to identify $100,000 for legislation development to meet our commitment to produce a modern Wildlife Act to replace the existing 19-year-old document. This will allow us to complete the second phase of the review of the Wildlife Act and start work on the third phase.

The first phase involved administration and enforcement issues, and dealt with Charter concerns, authorities, penalties, licensing issues and other matters that will help clarify and simplify the law, reduce red tape and streamline administration.

The second phase deals largely with species-at-risk issues, and the third phase will deal with land claim issues. This will allow us to commence work on some needed amendments to the Environment Act. The changes will streamline the regulatory system and will be primarily administrative, by changing the present extensive time frames in the existing act.

$8,000 has been identified to finalize the agricultural infrastructure feasibility study to look at ways of improving local service to the agricultural industry. This will allow us to employ the services of a consultant to assess the feasibility, cost and location of establishing various types of infrastructure for the agriculture industry.

Specifically, we will be looking at the feasibility of establishing a community kitchen and processing equipment for fruits and vegetables, a vegetable storage facility and a farmers market site.

Mr. Chair, that covers the major new and changing initiatives in my department, and we are looking forward to another productive year.

I will be happy to answer any questions any members may have in general debate.

Chair:   Is there any further general debate?

Hon. Mr. Kent:   Mr. Chair, I move that we deem the entire Department of Renewable Resources read and carried.

Unanimous consent re Vote 14 deemed read and agreed to

Chair:   It has been moved by Mr. Kent that the entire budget for the Department of Renewable Resources be deemed read and carried. We need unanimous consent. Do we have unanimous consent of the House?

All Hon. Members:  Agreed.

Chair:   We do have unanimous consent. We will go through the formality.

Shall Vote 14, Department of Renewable Resources, carry in its entirety?

On Capital Expenditures

Hon. Mr. Eftoda:   It's simply one line: the total capital budget for the Public Service Commission is $5,000. This will be used to update computer equipment within the department.

Chair:   Is there any further general debate?

Seeing no further general debate, we will proceed right into lines.

On Capital Expenditures

Hon. Ms. Buckway:   The Department of Justice's capital budget submission for the 2002-03 fiscal year totals $3,521,000. The department is proposing to proceed with 13 individual projects, with an emphasis on the maintenance and upgrading of the department's information technology infrastructure and the start of construction for a new Whitehorse correctional centre.

The management services branch is responsible for nine individual projects. Existing systems capital maintenance and data warehouse capital maintenance are two projects that require the hiring of local information technology professionals to perform capital maintenance on our existing computer systems. Without this maintenance work, these existing systems would eventually fail and disrupt essential services to the public. The remaining seven individual projects relate to the maintenance of the court registry information system and repair and replacement of the computers, workstations, furniture, equipment and building maintenance of the department. The total of capital budget projects under the management services branch is $390,000.

The other program branch in the Department of Justice with responsibility for capital projects is the community and correctional services branch with four projects. These capital projects include renovations to the Whitehorse Correctional Centre consisting mainly of electrical work and repairs mandated by the fire marshal until a new facility is constructed. As well, a new security van with special security features and replacement of deteriorated equipment are also identified. The van and equipment are transferable to a new facility when it is completed. Finally we are continuing toward the replacement of the Whitehorse Correctional Centre. The capital budget for this project in the 2002-03 fiscal year involves beginning the two-year construction phase, including minor amounts for project management, consultations and communications. The total of capital budget projects under the community and correctional services branch is $3,131,000 and the total projected capital expenditures for the Department of Justice, again for 2002-03, is $3,521,000, and I would be pleased to answer any questions the opposition may have.

Chair:   Is there any further general debate? Seeing no further general debate -

Mr. McLachlan:   I move that the Department of Justice budget in the amount of $3,521,000 be now deemed read and agreed to.

Unanimous consent re Vote 08 deemed read and agreed to

Chair:   It has been moved by Mr. McLachlan that the Department of Justice be deemed read and agreed to. Do we have unanimous consent of the House to do that?

All Hon. Members:  Agreed.

Chair:   We do have unanimous consent.

Shall Vote 08, Department of Justice, carry in its entirety?

On Capital Expenditures

Hon. Mr. Roberts:   Mr. Chair, I am pleased today to introduce the capital budget for the year 2002-03 for the Department of Health and Social Services. This capital budget reflects decisions that support this government's priority of maintaining quality health care for the people of the Yukon.

The Department of Health and Social Services is in the business of delivering vital services to every resident of this territory. In order to deliver those services and maintain the high standard of quality health care that we enjoy in the Yukon, we must invest in our infrastructure and support the many facilities and capital programs that help us deliver those services. In the coming year, the department has planned capital expenditures of $2,677,000, of which over 53 percent are directly related to health care. Another 30 percent of these expenditures of $790,000 will go toward the infrastructure that supports our continuing care facilities.

Within our family and children's services branch, we continue to support our foster parents, child care centres, family day homes and women's shelters by ensuring capital expenditures are available for furniture, equipment and renovations that promote healthy and safe environments for caregivers and children.

Maintaining our youth facilities, both secure and open custody, is another important aspect of this capital budget. Changes in legislation will necessitate a functional review of our secure facility next year, and together with ongoing maintenance, repairs and equipment needs, we have put aside $100,000 for this purpose. We have also identified $50,000 to respond to the ongoing maintenance and equipment needs of our six child welfare facilities. As mentioned previously, our planned social services capital expenditures support the ongoing infrastructure development required to provide quality continuing care services.

The highlights of these expenditures include $60,000 to support renovations to the Thomson Centre in preparation for the move of Macaulay Lodge clients to the Thomson Centre and the relocation of residents to the new Copper Ridge facility.

Another $100,000 is required to purchase and replace medical equipment at the Thomson Centre to ensure that we continue to satisfy national and municipal codes and standards.

$530,000 will be required to complete the new Copper Ridge facility, which is presently scheduled for occupancy in June of 2002.

With respect to our health care services, we have identified $1,441,000 in capital expenditures for the coming year. This includes $400,000 for the Whitehorse General Hospital to support their ongoing schedule of equipment replacement and acquisition; a total of $90,000 has been set aside for equipment purchases for our chronic disease benefits and extended health benefits programs; $223,000 has been identified for equipment and facility renovations for our community nursing stations, including planned work at our facilities in Beaver Creek, Old Crow, Faro and Watson Lake.

With respect to the Yukon tele-health network, $650,000 is earmarked in 2002 and 2003 for the second year of this $1-million project. These funds are fully recoverable from Health Canada under the Canadian health infrastructure projects program and will go toward the implementation of tele-health services in the communities of Watson Lake, Dawson, Mayo, Old Crow, Haines Junction and Whitehorse.

These, then, are the highlights of the capital budget for the Department of Health and Social Services.

I am prepared to answer any questions that the members may have at this time.

Chair:   Is there any further general debate?

Mr. McLachlan:   I move that the amount of $2,677,000 for the Department of Health and Social Services be deemed read and agreed to.

Chair:   You don't have to do that, Mr. McLachlan. You just have to deem it read and agreed to.

Unanimous consent re Vote 15 deemed read and agreed to

Chair:   We need unanimous consent of the House. Do we have unanimous consent of the House to pass the entire Health and Social Services budget?

All Hon. Members:  Agreed.

Chair:   There is unanimous consent of the House.

Shall Vote 15, Department of Health and Social Services capital budget, carry?

On Capital Expenditures

Hon. Mr. Eftoda:   I'm just pleased at this time to introduce the capital budget for the Department of Government Services.

Chair:   Is there any further general debate?

Mr. McLachlan:   Mr. Chair, I move that the Department of Government Services be deemed read and carried.

Unanimous consent re Vote 16 deemed read and agreed to

Chair:   We'll need unanimous consent of the House. Do we have unanimous consent of the House to have the Department of Government Services budget deemed read and carried?

All Hon. Members:  Agreed.

Chair:   There is unanimous consent.

On Capital Expenditures

Hon. Ms. Duncan:   There is not a great deal of money to speak to here, Mr. Chair. The department's requesting $30,000 for 2002-03. It's the same sum as in the current fiscal year.

$18,000 of the needed funds is for replacement of work stations, which are obsolete or will become unserviceable during the course of the year. The remainder is for ongoing minor maintenance and enhancement of the department's financial systems.

I'm prepared to answer any questions.

Chair:   Is there any further general debate?

Mr. McLachlan:   Mr. Chair, I move that the Department of Finance's capital budget be deemed read and carried.

Unanimous consent re Vote 12 deemed read and agreed to

Chair:   It requires unanimous consent from the House. Do we have unanimous consent to have the Department of Finance capital budget deemed read and carried?

All Hon. Members:  Agreed.

Chair:   We do have unanimous consent of the House.

On Capital Expenditures

Hon. Mr. Eftoda:   Mr. Chair, I'm pleased to present the Department of Education's capital estimates for the up and coming fiscal year.

Mr. Chair, this is a budget that reflects our government's commitment to ensure that school facilities for our young people are well-maintained and relevant to the learning opportunities offered through the school programs.

This is a budget that supports major renovation projects, school expansion projects, as well as school replacement projects. This is a budget that supports both Whitehorse and rural community program delivery and infrastructure. It is a budget that ensures facilities and infrastructure across the territory - required for the support of lifelong learning programs - are maintained and enhanced. The investment in school improvement significantly supports the economic fibre of the territory. Construction, wiring projects, paving - all these types of activities at our schools provide jobs for Yukoners at the local level. Schools throughout the territory are supported through the investment plan laid out in this budget. Both Whitehorse and rural communities will receive support through this budget. This budget reflects careful consideration of all the needs and prioritizes the projects to meet these needs.

Chair:   Is there any further general debate? Seeing no further general debate -

Mr. McLachlan:   I move that the capital budget for the Department of Education be now deemed read and agreed to.

Unanimous consent re Vote 03 deemed read and agreed to

Chair:   It has been moved by Mr. McLachlan that the entire budget for Vote 03, Department of Education, be considered deemed read and carried. We will need unanimous consent of the House. Do we have unanimous consent of the House?

All Hon. Members:  Agreed.

Chair:   We do have unanimous consent.

Shall Vote 3, Department of Education, carry in its entirety?

On Capital Expenditures

Chair:   Next department, Economic Development.

Hon. Mr. Kent:   I am pleased to introduce the 2002-03 capital budget for the Department of Economic Development. This government is increasing funding to a number of programs that support mining in the Yukon. Many in the mining industry have told me that these programs are important and positively affect companies' decision to carry out mining activity in the territory. Maintaining these programs becomes even more critical during times of economic downturn.

The budget for the Yukon mining incentive program, or YMIP, will increase 11 percent, from $763,000 to $850,000. This program, which is fully subscribed, promotes and encourages more mining, prospecting, exploration and development in the territory.

We are continuing to support information gathering for mineral and oil and gas resources, with a 10-percent increase for geological surveys under the targeted geoscience initiative. Of the $1,681,000 allocated for this capital expenditure, $826,000 is recoverable from the federal government.

We are funding $500,000 for the regional mineral development program to conduct comprehensive regional mining information packages for four key metal belts in the Yukon. This program is part of the department's initiative to improve the investment climate in the territory. We recently completed an airborne survey in the Carmacks copper belt. Those results will be available early next year and published on the Yukon geology program's new interactive map gallery. It has the latest digital compilation of bedrock geology in the territory.

The budget to develop and maintain the oil and gas information management system and to purchase supporting computer equipment and software is at the same level as last year. This includes a comprehensive database, which continues to evolve and contains everything from information on royalties, production monitoring and disposition and licence management, to client information and well data.

We have increased the budget for mineral resource assessments by 14 percent from $550,000 to $627,000. There is a greater need for resource assessments as part of the process to define the selection of areas for territorial parks and protected areas. This information will help ensure that balanced decisions can be made. For example, we will conduct detailed assessments for each of the areas of interest under the Yukon protected areas strategy.

We're continuing to conduct detailed oil and gas resource assessments, and have again budgeted $200,000 for this purpose. The oil and gas resources unit is updating four resource assessments to promote exploration in the Yukon - the Eagle Plain, Peel Plateau, Whitehorse Trough and Liard Plateau.

In the new year, we plan to update further resource assessments, including the Kandik and Old Crow basins. We will also evaluate seismic data in Eagle Plains to further delineate the subsurface structures.

This government is sustaining funding for the Mining Environmental Research Group, which continues to bring their resources and knowledge to work cooperatively on mining environmental issues and projects. Several projects funded by MERG were featured, and two MERG reports were released at the recent northern latitudes reclamation conference in Whitehorse. We're optimistic that the federal government will again match the $25,000 we are allocating to MERG.

Securing the Alaska Highway pipeline route remains an important role of this government. The oil and gas business development unit has been working diligently on route selection advocacy and project preparedness. The work plan for the upcoming year is estimated at $750,000.

The Project Yukon has been allocated at $750,000 for 2002-03. Every recognized Yukon community has received Project Yukon funding to assist with worthwhile community projects. However, this government has made careful decisions around long-term spending priorities and how we can best allocate the monies available.

Mr. Chair, the Yukon government is providing up to $235,000 to Dana Naye Ventures to operate the micro-loan program over a three-year period. $72,000 is being allocated from the capital budget for the program in 2002-03, which is the last year of the pilot program.

The program and the agreement between the Yukon government and Dana Naye Ventures will be reviewed during the 2002-03 fiscal year to assess if the objectives outlined in the agreement are being met.

Mr. Chair, the fire smart program funding is being maintained at $500,000. This fully subscribed program is funding 11 community projects throughout the Yukon this year to encourage fire safety by reducing the threat of wildfires.

All other capital programs remain at relatively the same level as this year's forecast.

I would be pleased at this time to enter into any general debate.

Chair:   Is there any further general debate?

Mr. McLachlan:   Mr. Chair, I move that the Department of Economic Development be now deemed read and agreed to.

Unanimous consent re Vote 07 deemed read and agreed to

Chair:   Do we have unanimous consent of the House that the Department of Economic Development budget be deemed read and agreed to?

All Hon. Members:  Agreed.

Chair:   We do have unanimous consent of the House. We will do the formality, then.

Shall Vote 07, Department of Economic Development, carry in its entirety?

On Capital Expenditures

Hon. Ms. Buckway:   Please allow me to introduce the 2002-03 capital estimates for the Department of Community and Transportation Services.

Mr. Chair, as the capital estimates show, the department plans to spend $54,370,000 and recover $30,437,000.

The department's capital net estimate of $23,933,000 represents an increase in the net estimate from 2001-02 of 27 percent.

Investing in infrastructure is one of the priorities of this government. This government will continue its commitment to improve Yukon's highways. This budget proposes to continue the trend started last year by increasing Yukon government's capital funding in this area.

The capital estimates include a number of other important projects, both in terms of the level of funding and the nature of the projects.

The department has continued to support and has allocated $11,964,000 in funding for municipal projects. Included in this are the Dawson sewage treatment facility, the Whitehorse multiplex and the Carmacks sewage disposal plant.

Mr. Chair, I would now like to identify specific highlights of the department's capital estimates.

Funding is allocated in support of highway construction projects, community facilities, public health, roads and streets and for airport improvement projects. The department has allocated the capital estimates based on program priorities and needs identified by communities. $40,314,000 has been allocated for the continued improvement of the territory's transportation infrastructure. This represents a 22.6-percent increase over last year.

We continue to believe that capital investment in transportation infrastructure provides the stimulus for private sector investments in resource development and tourism, which in turn will permit long-term economic growth and increased levels of employment.

In the short term, these projects will generate significant employment in the road-building industry. As such, Yukon government funding for highway construction has been increased by about $3.2 million compared to the current fiscal year forecast.

The Alaska Highway will continue to see major reconstruction under the Shakwak agreement; $23.5 million is allocated for fiscal year 02-03. The program to complete the outstanding reconstruction of the Alaska Highway between Whitehorse and Haines Junction will continue at a cost of $7 million.

Major construction will take place on other highways as well: $900,000 will be spent on the Campbell Highway, $800,000 on the Tagish Road, $400,000 on the Top of the World Highway, and $200,000 on the Dempster Highway. $3.7 million will be spent on pavement and bridge rehabilitation at various locations in the territory.

Through a partnership with the federal government under the strategic highway improvement program, $1.1 million of this expenditure will be recovered in 2002-03. Funding for the rural road upgrading program has been doubled to $800,000.

$4,585,000 has been allocated for the land development program. While carrying out this commitment, the department will continue to address environmental and land claims issues associated with all land development projects. In terms of specific land-related planned capital work, $4,360,000 will be spent in residential land development to maintain a two-year supply of lots. This includes design and/or construction of 25 to 30 country residential lots in the Whitehorse Copper-Mount Sima Road area, and construction work for stage 9 in the Copper Ridge development.

The various projects within our capital estimate of $2.3 million in community services, $2.17 million in public health, roads and streets, and $2.1 million in recreation facilities, reflect our commitment to support all communities in attaining improved quality of life and our continued effort to recognize and address their needs.

The department will continue working closely with the City of Dawson with respect to their recreation and sewage treatment projects. The City of Dawson will receive $2.1 million for these projects in 2002-03. The capital funding for sports and recreation programs contains a $1 million contribution funding for the Whitehorse multiplex, $350,000 to complete the Carmacks recreation centre and $755,000 for recreation facilities in the territory, including $340,000 for the Pelly Crossing skating arena, $180,000 to continue renovations to the Ross River recreation centre, and $100,000 to construct an addition to the Tagish recreation centre.

$215,000 has been allocated to the community services branch to continue to work with and assist communities in community-based planning work. This includes $50,000 to initiate a local area plan and zoning process for Marsh Lake, $25,000 to review the existing Ross River local area plan and $30,000 to complete zoning regulations for Deep Creek and the Hot Springs Road.

In areas of public health, roads and streets we will continue to provide service to unincorporated communities with respect to water supply, treatment and storage, sewage treatment and disposal, flood and erosion control, road and street upgrades and various other community facility improvements. The funding in this area includes $750,000 to improve sewage treatment in Carmacks; $200,000 to continue construction of the sewage lagoon at Burwash; solid waste management and disposal facility improvements at $245,000 and $365,000 for roads and streets in various communities in the Yukon including $140,000 to BST, Jon Ra and Willow subdivision roads in Pelly Crossing. The public safety program will receive continued support. $14,000 has been allocated to provide security systems to four rural fire halls. $156,000 is allocated for ongoing maintenance of fire hall structures and systems and required fire protection equipment purchases. $220,000 is needed for the purchase of a fire truck to add to the existing fleet.

As I stated earlier, the department's capital estimates reflect the continued commitment to advance economic improvement and the well-being of Yukoners by investing in infrastructure, by supporting the municipalities and by providing municipal-type services and facilities to unincorporated communities. I will now be pleased to answer questions specific to the tabled department budget.

Chair:   Is there any further general debate? Seeing no further general debate -

Mr. McLachlan:   I move that the capital budget for the Department of Community and Transportation Services be now deemed and read and agreed to.

Unanimous consent re Vote 09 deemed read and agreed to

Chair:   It has been moved by Mr. McLachlan that the Department of Community and Transportation Services be deemed read and agreed to. Do we have unanimous consent of the House to do that?

All Hon. Members:  Agreed.

Chair:   We do have unanimous consent.

Shall Vote 09, Department of Community and Transportation Services, carry in its entirety?

On Capital Expenditures

Hon. Ms. Duncan:   Mr. Chair, the Executive Council Office capital budget for 2002-03 has $10,350,000 set aside: $10 million is set aside for the establishment of the Yukon permanent fund, the first step in the creation of a vehicle that we hope will contribute a lasting benefit to Yukon and its citizens; $350,000 is set aside in the land claims implementation secretariat.

Mr. McLachlan:   Mr. Chair, I move that the capital budget for the Executive Council Office for 2002-03 be now deemed read and agreed to.

Unanimous consent re Vote 02 deemed read and agreed to

Chair:   We need unanimous consent of the House. Do we have unanimous consent of the House to have the Executive Council Office budget considered deemed read and agreed to?

All Hon. Members:  Agreed.

Chair:   We do have unanimous consent.

On Capital Expenditures

Mr. McLachlan:   Mr. Chair, I move that the capital budget for the Yukon Legislative Assembly for 2002-03 be now deemed read and carried.

Unanimous consent re Vote 01 deemed read and agreed to

Chair:   It has been moved by Mr. McLachlan, and we'll need unanimous consent, that the Yukon Legislative Assembly budget be deemed read and carried. Do we have unanimous consent?

All Hon. Members:  Agreed.

Chair:   We do have unanimous consent.

On Capital Expenditures

Mr. McLachlan:   Mr. Chair, I move that the capital budget for the Elections Office for 2002-03 be deemed read and carried.

Unanimous consent re Vote 24 deemed read and agreed to

Chair:  It has been moved by Mr. McLachlan that Vote 24, Elections Office, be deemed read and agreed to. Do we have unanimous consent?

All Hon. Members:  Agreed.

Chair:   We have unanimous consent.

On Capital Expenditures

Mr. McLachlan:   I move that Vote 23, Office of the Ombudsman, capital budget for the year 2002-03, be now deemed read and agreed to.

Unanimous consent re Vote 23 deemed read and agreed to

Chair:   It has been moved by Mr. McLachlan that the Office of the Ombudsman budget be deemed read and agreed to. Do we have unanimous consent?

All Hon. Members:  Agreed.

Chair:   We do have unanimous consent.

Shall Vote 23, Office of the Ombudsman, carry?

On Capital Expenditures

Hon. Mr. Jim:   Mr. Chair, the Yukon Housing Corporation directly impacts the lives of thousands of Yukoners. Whether it is with the attendance of almost 700 rental units or with the 1,200 homeowners who have loans with the corporation, or the hundreds of applicants every year for direct programming, Yukoners come to appreciate a high level of client service when they deal with Yukon Housing.

This capital budget is focused on Yukoners, Mr. Chair. It contains funding for mortgages, for home repair loans, for industry and community partnering; it includes funding for the upgrade of staff and social housing, and it includes funding for the construction of new staff housing.

We have made a number of reductions in interest rates and the response from Yukoners is quite overwhelming.

Mr. Chair, at this time I welcome any questions regarding the 2002-03 capital budget for Yukon Housing Corporation.

Chair:   Is there any further general debate?

Mr. McLachlan:   I move that Vote 18, Yukon Housing Corporation capital budget for the year 2002-03, be now deemed read and agreed to.

Unanimous consent re Vote 18 deemed read and agreed to

Chair:   It has been moved by Mr. McLachlan that Vote 18, Yukon Housing Corporation, be deemed read and agreed to. We need unanimous consent. Are we agreed?

All Hon. Members:  Agreed.

Chair:   There is unanimous consent.

Shall Vote 18, Yukon Housing Corporation, carry?

On Capital Expenditures

Chair:   We'll refer to the bill now.

On Schedule A

Chair:   Are there any questions on the schedules?

On Clause 2

Chair:   Just to also clear up for the record any matter of debate, the Women's Directorate was mentioned earlier. There is no money in the Women's Directorate budget so, as a result, there won't be any further discussion on it.

So we're cleared. Someone can move this out.

Some Hon. Members:   (Inaudible)

Chair:   We just did the title.

Ms. Tucker:   I move that Bill No. 8, entitled First Appropriation Act, 2002-03, be now moved out of Committee without amendment.

Chair:   It has been moved by Ms. Tucker that Bill No. 8, entitled First Appropriation Act, 2002-03, be moved out of Committee without amendment.

Motion agreed to

Chair:   At this time, the Chair will take a 20-minute recess.

Recess

Chair:   I will now call Committee of the Whole to order.

Mr. McLachlan:   I move that the Speaker do now resume the Chair.

Chair:   It has been moved by Mr. McLachlan that the Speaker do now resume the Chair.

Motion agreed to

Speaker:   I will now call the House to order.

May the House have a report from the Chair of Committee of the Whole?

Chair's report

Mr. McLarnon:   Mr. Speaker, Committee of the Whole has considered Bill No. 8, entitled First Appropriation Act, 2002-03, and directed me to report it out of Committee without amendment.

Speaker:   You have heard the report of the Chair of Committee of the Whole. Are you agreed?

Some Hon. Members:   Agreed.

Speaker:   I declare the report carried.

Government bills.

GOVERNMENT BILLS