Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is a pleasure to present to you the main estimates of the Department of Health and Social Services. Although these main estimates represent the beginning of the department's revised budgeting process, we have already taken steps to control costs; particularly in the administrative area. For example, headquarters reduced 45 positions during consolidation and restructuring; and medical travel administration has been moved to boards to bring it closer to where decisions are made.

As directed by the Premier and the Minister of Finance, the department's 1996-97 reductions have been designed to minimize the impact on program delivery. As a consequence of initiatives referred to in these estimates, a number of legislative and regulatory changes may be required. These changes include implementation of the proposed child welfare and adoption legislation; amendments to the Medical Care Act and regulations to enable the return of clients and services to the NWT, and allow de-insuring some medicare fee items; amendments...