Louis Sebert

Mr. Speaker, the department is attempting to rationalize the leasing procedures so that the amounts of lease payments on both Commissioner's lands and territorial lands will be the same. I don't think we could make specific exceptions for any communities.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I believe we would have sufficient funds within. I suppose, if there was a very, very drastic increase of activity, we would have to seek supplementary funds. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We do recognize that as an issue. We are looking at ways in the request for proposals so that, administration and clerical functions, we want to be sure that they don't impede the delivery of the program. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I know that this was a gap that was identified some time ago. We are trying to address that gap. Perhaps I could have the deputy minister expand on that. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I am told that this is merely a budgeting change, but perhaps Ms. Bolstad could expand on that not-terribly-helpful answer.

Mr. Chair, I think I can speak for this government in saying that we are always attempting to make our operations more efficient. As everyone is well aware, we are combining other departments to make them more efficient. That, in itself, is a large change in the manner in which we do business. I don't know whether we could consider within the next year whether we should combine these functions of water and lands, but, certainly, it probably should be considered in the future. I think, frankly, for this year, as far as amalgamating departments, we already have enough on our plate. Thank you.

Mr. Chair, I'm pleased to hear that one of the Members from Yellowknife is only paying $2,000; however, I imagine during the term of his ownership of the property he also had to make mortgage payments and so on. One of the things with a lease is that you generally pay a certain amount based on market, if there is a market, or, as we've done, on appraisal, and I don't think that a yearly rental or lease of 10 per cent of the appraised value is out of line. I think that's roughly what I'm paying for the apartment I live in when I'm in Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, early to mid-March. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I don't really know, but perhaps Ms. Bolstad could.

I really don't -- I don't think there were any significant changes in the budget that were in any way requested by Cabinet because we do see them as independent. I'm not certain how the process works as to when they are submitting their need for funds. Certainly there was no attempt to cut them back.