Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to present today the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs' 2000-2001 main estimates for the committee's consideration.
The proposed budget is derived from the ministry's business plan which has been developed based on the government and the ministry's goals, strategies and expected outcomes.
Mr. Chairman, completing lands, resources and self-government agreements is critical to achieving this government's vision, priorities and goals as set out in Towards a Better Tomorrow. Final agreements from these negotiations will result in a stable economic and political environment and vibrant and stable economic conditions will attract more economic investments. More importantly, it will result in aboriginal people having greater self-determination over their social, cultural and political destiny. These agreements will also create effective partnerships with aboriginal governments. Mr. Chairman, negotiating lands, resources and self-government agreements demand a full commitment from the GNWT in order for this government to achieve its goals.
This ministry's 2000-2001 proposed budget is $4,732,000 in salaries and other operations and maintenance and $75,000 in capital. The total number of active positions is 34, an increase of six positions over the 1999-2000 main estimates.
The 2000-2001 operations and maintenance budget of $4,732,000 is broken down as follows:
- • $3,112,000 for compensation and benefits
- • $360,000 for grants and contributions
- • $1,215,000 for other expenses, and
- • $45,000 for amortization expense.
In addition to the operations and maintenance budget, the ministry has identified $75,000 in capital for office renovations to accommodate additional positions. The ministry does not collect any revenue.
The ministry also receives $375,000 in vote 4/5 from the federal government to implement GNWT obligations created by the Inuvialuit, Gwich'in and Sahtu land claims and $384,000 from interchange agreements. With the implementation funds, the ministry employs three full-time positions.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my opening remarks. Mahsi cho.