Yes, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to use this opportunity to provide committee members with a brief overview of the functional units within the Department of the Executive.
The department, sometimes known as the Cabinet Office, is a pivotal point in the Government of the Northwest Territories, ensuring that Cabinet has the advice and support required to carry out its mandate. It is also charged with ensuring that action is taken on decisions made by Cabinet. The Executive plays a similar role in the North as the Privy Council Office plays in Ottawa for the federal government.
The Department of the Executive is managed by the deputy minister, Ms. Elizabeth Snider, who also serves as secretary to Cabinet and deputy minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.
The Department consists of the Office of the Commissioner, Minister's offices including that of the Premier, and divisions and secretariats established to support Cabinet.
The deputy minister of the Executive is the most senior public servant in the Government of the Northwest Territories and is charged not only with managing the department, but also with leading the public service. Ms. Snider provides overall management and direction to the public service and ensures government-wide coordination of Cabinet direction.
The Department of Executive also provides support for the Office of the Commissioner, also for Ministers' offices, which include staff employed to assist Ministers and the Premier in carrying out their duties.
The Department of the Executive has a number of functions, the central ones being to support the Executive Council.
The Cabinet Secretariat provides broad policy advice on priorities, strategies, policies and legislation to the Premier, Cabinet and its committees, as well as general support for Cabinet meetings. The secretariat also transmits Cabinet decisions to the public service.
Legislation and House planning provides advice and support to Cabinet, departments and government agencies with respect to the development of legislation
The regional and community affairs division has been established to assist the Government of the Northwest Territories in communicating government-wide agendas, goals, strategies and initiatives to communities, the public, to regional staff and to employees in Yellowknife. Enhanced communications within and between regions is an objective, as is improved communications between regions and headquarters operations.
The Department of the Executive is also home to a number of functions which have responsibility for broad policy issues that span the range of departmental mandates.
Intergovernmental Affairs assists in the preparation of strategies to address territorial, national and international issues which affect the Northwest Territories. Intergovernmental Affairs also establishes, maintains and coordinates official contacts between the Government of the Northwest Territories and federal, provincial, Nunavut, Yukon and circumpolar governments, and non-government organizations.
Corporate human resources services develops and monitors government recruitment policy, the Affirmative Action Policy, and other government-wide human resource policies. It provides specialist training and advice to government departments, boards and agencies on human resource planning and staff development. It also monitors and provides advice on communications with employees and staff morale.
The Department of Executive is, from time to time, used to house special task groups, secretariats, or support working committees charged with starting or steering special projects.
For example, the Government of the Northwest Territories, aboriginal governments and the Government of Canada have agreed to participate in an intergovernmental forum to look at the future agenda for the Northwest Territories. This is a first, is important for the people of the North, and has been given high priority by the Government of the Northwest Territories.
The Intergovernmental Forum Secretariat has been established to co-ordinate this important initiative for the government.
The Regulatory Reform Secretariat is charged with a broad-based review of the way government departments and agencies are carrying out regulatory responsibilities. The objective is to reduce government processes and eliminate "red tape" that create unnecessary barriers to economic growth and business profitability. The department provides support to the Secretariat.
The Department of Executive also provides support for the Public Utilities Board of the Northwest Territories. The Public Utilities Board is an independent board that regulates the energy utilities under its jurisdiction and reporting to the Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board.
The Women's Advisory Program, which supports the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, supports and provides liaison with the Status of Women Council, the Native Women's Association and other organizations which enhance the participation of women in society.
The corporate services division provides financial, administrative and human resources support to the Department of the Executive, the Financial Management Board Secretariat, the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, the Women's Advisory, the Regulatory Reform Secretariat and the Public Utilities Board.
In conclusion, it is evident that the department has a broad range of responsibilities. Some are new and have been established to meet new needs or to enhance activities already being undertaken by the department.
You have before you the interim financial requirements of the department. I am now prepared to entertain any questions you might have. Thank you.