I would like to provide an overview of the work of the Department of Executive and the department's main estimates for 2004-05.
The Executive supports the work of Cabinet and its committees. It provides overall direction, management and coordination for all departments. Executive staff provide advice on legislation, policy, communications, corporate identity and protocol, intergovernmental relations and strategic planning, including our participation in the new Council of the Federation and regular First Ministers meetings; women's issues, and corporate human resources services aimed at improving employee retention and meeting the development and training needs of our staff.
For 2004-05, the Department of Executive is requesting a budget of $13.75 million. This represents a 6.9 percent or $1.012 million decrease from last year with $1 million of this decrease resulting from a reduction in the funding for the maximizing northern employment program.
While the main estimates before you today were prepared based on the existing business plan, they provide for the continuation of a number of important initiatives.
The department is proposing to co-fund, from within existing resources, the regional office in the Beaufort-Delta. This office will continue to provide a liaison function between the GNWT and emerging self-government structures in the region. A progress report on the work of this office will be prepared by December 31, 2004.
Recognizing the importance of supporting the issues and concerns of NWT women, the department is proposing to reallocate $50,000 from the budget of the Executive offices to the women's advisory office to ensure the continued success of the Status of Women Council and the Native Women's Association.
Corporate human resource services will continue to coordinate two important components of the maximizing northern employment program: the summer student employment program and the northern graduate employment program.
During 2003-04, 343 summer students were hired under the summer student employment program. Under the graduate employment program, 46 of the 52 interns placed this year were able to secure continuing employment at the end of their internships.
A forced growth increase of $192,000 is being sought to meet the requirements of the collective bargaining agreement, ratified by the UNW in July 2002. As well, an ongoing reduction to operations and maintenance expenses, specifically travel expenses, in the amount of $204,000, will be initiated in fiscal year 2004-05.
That concludes my opening remarks. I would now be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the Department of Executive's proposed 2004-05 budget. Thank you.