Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am hear today to discuss with you, the Department of the Executives 1997-98 main estimates. These estimates are built upon the departments 1996-97 main estimates and incorporated the recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Infrastructure. Mr. Chairman, the main estimates you have before you reflect the priorities and strategies of this government. The department has streamlined its operations, has assumed new functions to better co-ordinate important government initiatives. It has divested itself of functions not directly related to its core responsibilities. Overall, the Department of the Executive has divided into three activities: Administration of the Commissioner's Office, the Ministers' offices and the Cabinet Secretariat. This represents 72 positions and a budget allocation of $9,766 thousand. In addition to these core responsibilities as part of this dismantling of the Department of Safety and Public Services, the Public Utilities Board has recently been transferred to the Department of the Executive. The Public Utilities Board is budgeted for four positions and $482 thousand which represents no increases over the boards 1996/97 main estimates. The Department of the Executive has no capital expenditures.

Mr. Chairman, the Department of the Executive has set a course for the future, and we are holding to that course. To illustrate that point, I wold like to take a few moments to advise you on the progress made by the department in addressing some of the objectives set out in the results statement section of the 1996-97 main estimates.

First, the department committed to focus it resources on providing support to the Premier and Cabinet, in coordinating the implementation of Cabinet direction. To this end, the department has eliminated, the executive regional offices, transferred all government liaison officer functions to the respected hamlets and consolidated the Ottawa office within the department to provide a more focused approach to relations within the governments.

Second, as promised in last year's main estimates, the personnel secretariat has been fully integrated into the department of the executive, cost savings have been realized and the departments have been empowered to make and made accountable for implementing government hiring policies.

Third, the department now holds the responsibility within this government to co-ordinate the GNWT's planning and involvement in the creating of two new territories. Efforts are being made to ensure that a balanced and realistic approach is being taken in the key areas of financing, asset, and liability allocation, legal and legislative matters, and government design for both Nunavut and the western territory.

Finally, Mr. Chairman, the department has successfully reviewed the multi-lateral approach to the creation of Nunavut. Working in collaboration with the federal government, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and other Members of coordinating committee of officials on Nunavut we have made progress toward the creation of a new government for Nunavut. Mr. Chairman, given our financial targets and the focus of this department, I believe that the 1997-98 main estimates is the best approach to the job we have before us. We are on target to accomplish what we set out for ourselves at the beginning of this fiscal year. I have no doubt, next year will be challenging, but I am confident that we can accomplish what we have committed to do. Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening remark. Thank you.