I am now presenting, for approval, the proposed main estimates for the House of Commons for 2024‑25.
It should be noted that these estimates reflect initiatives and methodology approved by the Board of Internal Economy, legislation, and adjustments prescribed by the Treasury Board.
The House of Commons must prepare its estimates and forward them to the Treasury Board for tabling with the main estimates of the Government of Canada. It was agreed that the budget would be presented to the Treasury Board no later than December 14, 2023.
The budget is $623.6 million. This represents an increase of $26.5 million over the 2023‑24 main estimates, an increase of 2.4% before salary adjustments for previous years.
The table breaks down into four main categories of budget items.
In the first category, the Board of Internal Economy has approved initiatives totalling $3.9 million. These initiatives are listed in lines 1a to 1c. For example, $3.6 million in funding was approved for the lifecycle management initiative, which was presented to the Board of Internal Economy in November. You'll find that in line 1a.
The second category, which is inflation, represents an overall adjustment of $10.8 million.
As shown in 2a., in accordance with board-approved methodology, annual adjustments to the office budgets of members and House officers, the constituency office budget and the travel expenses account have been made based on the adjusted consumer price index.
In terms of items 2b. and c., they respectively pertain to the adjustments to the 2023 members' sessional allowance and the 2024-25 salary increases for certain House administration employees.
The final category concerns retroactive salary increases for House administration employees in the amount of $11.7 million.
As annually reported in the audited financial statements, services received without charge in the amount of $107 million are included for reporting purposes only, and this is to provide transparency on the cost of doing business. This amount does not impact the House appropriation and will not be included to the Treasury Board, but will be included in future quarterly and annual reporting. Services received without charge mainly include accommodation expenses paid by Public Services and Procurement Canada.
The administration recommends that the board approve the 2024-25 main estimates in the amount of $623.6 million to be submitted to Treasury Board, and that the board take note of services received without charge in the amount of $107 million.
This concludes my presentation. I welcome any questions you may have.