Yes, I do, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I would like to present the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs' 2002-2003 draft main estimates for the committee's consideration.
Although the ministry is small in size compared to other departments in this government, its work has a great impact on the long-term governance arrangements in the Northwest Territories. The Ministry continues to make every effort to deliver its mandated responsibilities in an efficient and effective manner and to produce tangible results.
The ministry's 2002-2003 proposed budget is $7,032,000, which is broken down as follows:
- • $4,085,000 for compensation and benefits
- • $1,050,000 for grants and contributions
- • $1,897,000 for other expenses
The ministry does not collect any revenue and does not require capital funding.
The ministry has 38 positions. Additionally, the ministry receives $290,000 from Canada to fund three positions to coordinate and manage the implementation of settled land claims.
The MAA budget increased by 16 percent as a result of the transfer of $1,148,000 for three positions and O and M funding within the Intergovernmental Forum Secretariat to the ministry, and the inclusion of $500,000 in one-time funding to celebrate the inauguration of National Aboriginal Day as a statutory holiday in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to speak briefly about the Living History Project. The board of directors of the Living History Society is comprised of individuals from across the Northwest Territories. They have volunteered their time and energy to promote a series of activities that celebrate the cultural and political history of the Northwest Territories, focusing on our history over the past 25 years. This initiative is in keeping with the objectives of this government to promote and celebrate the history and culture of the Northwest Territories. The symposium that the society is hosting will attract national attention and is an ideal opportunity for the Northwest Territories to speak of its achievements and to promote itself to the rest of the country.
Mr. Chairman, the government concurs with the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight to remove the funding for the Living History Project from the 2002-2003 Main Estimates. At the appropriate time during the review of the budget for the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, we will propose a motion to this effect. It is important to note that the government will return with a supplementary funding request after review and consideration of a formal funding proposal from the Living History Society.
Mr. Chairman, before I conclude my opening remarks, I would like to briefly note five major achievements:
- • In May 2001, the Deh Cho Framework and Interim Measures Agreements were signed in Fort Simpson.
- • In the Beaufort-Delta, our negotiators have initialled a self-government agreement-in-principle with the Gwich'in and Inuvialuit. The parties are now waiting for the federal government to complete their internal approval process so that a formal signing of this agreement can be held in the spring in the Delta.
- • In Fort Smith, the members of the Salt River First Nation voted to ratify its Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement just before Christmas. The agreement is now being sent to the parties for signature. As a matter of fact, I signed the agreement on behalf of the GNWT in January. Salt River is planning to hold a more formal signing ceremony and celebration in June.
- • In the fall, I travelled to Fort Smith with the MLAs from Tu Nedhe and Thebacha to sign a Political Accord with the president and board of directors of the South Slave Metis Tribal Council.
- • Through the Intergovernmental Forum, we have been working with our partners to build and strengthen intergovernmental relationships in the Northwest Territories. An important component of the work of the IGF was the Memorandum of Intent on Devolution and Resource Revenue Sharing agreed to in Inuvik. In this regard, Mr. Chairman, we are moving forward with the development of a mandate and appointment of a negotiation team prior to the March 31 deadline as set out in the MOI.
Mahsi, Mr. Chairman. I would be pleased to answer any questions the committee may have. Thank you.