Well, they have one-third of the members, roughly. I guess that's the deal.
Resources are also provided to hire an additional employee who will be mostly dedicated to the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians. This person will help respond to the evolving requirements of the association.
In previous years the Board of Internal Economy has provided temporary funding to support new standing committees, an increased level of interparliamentary activities, and the implementation of the modernization committee's recommendations, which included $160,000 for technical consultant services. The main estimates show that this temporary funding is no longer required in 2006-07.
Let me turn now to the funding that the Main Estimates assign to salary increases and adjustments. The Board of Internal Economy approved $2.7 million in additional funding for salaries for employees of the House Administration. These funding increases are in keeping with recent negotiated settlements in the public service.
Also, as you know, in accordance with Bill C-30, members' salaries and allowances were adjusted based on the average increase in base rate wages in Canada's private sector. The main estimates provide $1.2 million for this increase.
You might also notice that there is an adjustment to the funding provided for employee benefit plans. These rates are managed and set annually by the Treasury Board of Canada, and the rates for 2006-07 have decreased. As a result, our contributions to employee benefit plans have been reduced by $2.3 million.
Finally, the Main Estimates also assign funding to the House's obligations as an employer. Funding of $2.6 million is required for other personnel costs in central budgets. This will cover upcoming expenses resulting from the growing number of employees who will soon be eligible for retirement.
In terms of employer's obligations, funding is also required for workplace safety and insurance board claims. This funding will help reflect the increased levels of expenditures since the budget was first established in 2000-01.
The additional spending on workplace safety and insurance board claims can be attributed to new types of claims that have only been approved since 2002-03 and to the economic increase in House employees' salaries and the aging demographics of the House's workforce.
I have now provided a brief overview of the 2006-07 estimates that were approved by the Board of Internal Economy. I remain confident that having heard this, you will agree with my original findings that these estimates are representative of our interests as members of Parliament and members of the House, and that they respond to today's requirements while providing strategic investments to meet evolving needs.
Between us, the Clerk and I will be glad to answer any questions you may have concerning these matters.