Government Services Committee — Department of Government Services is relatively new. It was formed when various programs and services were brought together from six other government departments in 1996. We provide a number of government front-line services to the public. To do that, we have a budget in 2004-2005 of $21.6 million and roughly 500 employees. We administer over ninety pieces of legislation. The department originally consisted of three branches: Government Services, Lands and Consumer and Commercial Affairs. With the recent restructuring of government, Lands moved to the Department of Environment and Conservation, and Occupational Health and Safety was transferred to this department. The department also took over responsibilities for the Office of the Queen's Printer, Printing and Micrographic Services, and the Government Purchasing Agency. We are working on legislation now to set up the Government Purchasing Agency as an independent agency to provide for greater transparency and accountability. The agency will report directly to me as minister. We believe that in order for the Government Purchasing Agency to accomplish its role as watchdog over government procurement, the agency must be in a position of independence. One of the original goals of the department was to bring a one-stop approach to the processing of licences, permits, approvals and inspections. This one-stop shopping is delivered through our Government Service Centres around the Province. Our staff perform inspections and enforcement on behalf of other government departments, including the Department of Health and Community Services, the Department of Environment and Conservation, and Municipal and Provincial Affairs. Our staff are responsible for ensuring public health and safety. They inspect restaurants, and test water supplies. They ensure the commercial vehicles travelling on our highways are safe. Workplace and public safety, as well as consumer protection, is a priority of the depar