Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the Department of Executive is requesting a budget of $14.733 million for fiscal year 2003-2004. This represents a three percent decrease from the main estimates for the Executive in 2002-2003. This decrease has come about as a result to the transfer of the Energy Secretariat to the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development.
As we enter the last year of our mandate, the Department of Executive will continue to provide support to Cabinet and leadership to the government on a number of key policy and strategic initiatives. The department will also continue to provide a coordinating and advisory role on interdepartmental working groups relating to government priorities.
Building on past successes, the department will continue to coordinate two important components of the maximizing northern employment program. During 2002-2003, 371 summer students were hired under the northern student employment program. Fully one-third of these students were hired outside of Yellowknife. Under the northern graduate employment program, 43 of the 27 interns placed this year were able to secure continuing employment at the end of their internship.
Through our intergovernmental affairs and strategic planning division, the department will continue to foster positive relationships with federal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as with international organizations such as the Circumpolar Conference. The GNWT's involvement Premiers' conferences, First Ministers' meetings and other intergovernmental forums has given us a strong voice, nationally and internationally, one that the government will continue to use to the greatest possible advantage.
The communications division is spearheading the development of the GNWT's new visual identity program. The key components of this program are the development of a revitalized polar bear logo, the publication of a visual identity program manual and the development of a new copyright and trademark policy for this government.
The department is undertaking new initiatives for which no additional funding is required. A new executive director has been hired for the Beaufort-Delta region to assist with the need for coordination of self-government implementation initiatives in this region.
The department has reallocated $300,000 from other areas to support this office on a one-year trial basis. If this initiative proves to be successful, consideration will be given to the continuation of this office and the addition of executive directors in other regions.
Additionally, the Department of Executive is coordinating a corporate review and transition planning exercise. Included in this process is a detailed headquarters review intended to identify potential economies that the government may be able to take advantage of. The exercise will also provide vital statistical program and environmental scanning information for consideration by the 15th Legislative Assembly in developing its own agenda. This work involves overseeing the deputy ministerial task team process and preparing transition documentation, a normal activity of all governments leading up to an election.
The department is not seeking additional funding resources in relation to this initiative.
Requested Increases To Base Funding
The Department of Executive is requesting two budget increases in these estimates. A forced growth increase of $398,000 is requested to meet the requirements of the collective bargaining agreement ratified by the UNW in July 2002.
The department is also seeking approval for an adjustment of $108,000 for a grant-in-kind to the Native Women's Association to assist them to remain in their current accommodations. This adjustment covers fiscal years 2003-2004 and 2004-2005.
Transfer Of Responsibilities
Mr. Chairman, the government must always look for ways to improve its efficiency and its effectiveness. As reported to you, in September 2002, responsibility for the Energy Secretariat was transferred to the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. The $1 million budget earmarked for the Energy Secretariat was transferred accordingly. As a result, there was a net decrease of $494,000 in the Department of Executive budget for fiscal year 2003-2004.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my opening remarks. I am now prepared to answer any questions that committee members may have. Thank you.