Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Good morning, dear colleagues. I am very glad to attend this committee meeting. This is my first visit.
I will go straight to the point right away, because at noon, I must attend a federal-provincial meeting. I will meet my Quebec counterparts regarding infrastructure files. We are not giving up on this. I wanted to tell you this from the outset, Mr. Chair.
As I am sure you know, the department's Main Estimates for fiscal year 2009-2010 amount to a net $2.4 billion, an increase of $44.4 million over last year. In supplementary estimates A, we are seeking approval for approximately $350 million in additional funds.
As you know, with 14,000 employees in every region of the country, PWGSC plays a critical role in the government's daily operations and in the everyday lives of Canadians.
This committee recently heard about PWGSC's responsibilities as the government's central purchaser and property manager. It is because of these and other responsibilities that the department plays such a critical role in our government's plan for getting Canadians back to work and kick-starting our economy.
Under Canada's Economic Action Plan, Budget 2009 allocated more than $400 million to PWGSC over two years to repair and renovate federally-owned infrastructure. The department moved quickly to develop a two-year plan—the Accelerated Infrastructure Plan—to speed up the rehabilitation of our federal buildings.
And I am pleased to report, Mr. Chair, that our share of the infrastructure funds is already being invested in ways that are creating and maintaining good jobs in every region of Canada.
Broadly speaking, my department's projects fall under three main areas. The bulk of the funding—$323 million—will be allocated to repair and restore projects in federal buildings across the country, including the Parliament buildings. Fourteen million dollars will be used to enhance accessibility to federal buildings—specifically those that serve Canadians, such as Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Service Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency, and Citizenship and Immigration Canada buildings in which customer traffic is on the increase. Together, these investments in federal buildings will amount to literally hundreds upon hundreds of projects, both large and small, in every region of Canada.
Another $40 million will go into the repair and restoration of four federal bridges: the LaSalle Causeway in Kingston, the Burlington Lift Bridge, and here in Ottawa-Gatineau, the Chaudière Crossing and the Alexandra Bridge.
Finally, $2 million will be used to develop a plan for the future of the historic Manège militaire in Quebec City. Public consultations are under way at present.
Funds allocated under Canada's Economic Action Plan must be spent by the end of the next fiscal year and my department's share will be divided roughly 50-50 over those two years. Believe me, we intend to invest every cent—and we are well on our way.
Mr. Chair, there is no doubt that this investment will have a positive impact on the Canadian construction industry—much of which is comprised of small and medium enterprises. Some funds will be disbursed through our property management service, SNC-Lavalin ProFac, which has a proven record of efficiency and broad engagement of small and medium enterprises across the country, wherever the Department of Public Works and Government Services holds assets. Based on last year, ProFac expects to work with more than 3,700 small and medium enterprises to deliver this work on our behalf.
As for bridges, much of the preparatory work has already been completed and certain contracts have been awarded. In fact, work on the Alexandra Bridge and the LaSalle causeway has already begun.
PWGSC is also coordinating closely with other departments that received infrastructure funds by providing real property, procurement and translation services. We are exploring measures to streamline processes to allow more flexibility in contracting, without compromising our principles of fairness and transparency that we follow on a daily basis.
Let me assure you that all contracting rules continue to apply. In fact, the program management framework that my department has put in place includes a robust risk management framework, including risk mitigation strategies and plans.
Mr. Chair, I'm proud of the work of my department and even more so of its positive contribution to our country's economic well-being in these difficult times.
In conclusion, Mr. Chair, I would like to commend the committee for its hearings on the ability of small and medium enterprises to access federal procurement. I believe that this is an important issue and I look forward to reading the committee's report and its recommendations.
Thank you for your attention. I am now ready to answer your questions.
