Thank you. Page 2-13.

Program summary, operations expenditure summary, $8.946 million.

Can we now turn to volume two? Page 2-2. Sorry about that. Okay, can we go to page 2-4, volume two? Okay, Commissioner's offices, infrastructure investment summary, total net book value and work in progress, $128,000.

Page 2-3, executive offices, infrastructure investment summary, total net book value and work in progress, $128,000.

Page 2-2, department summary, infrastructure investment summary, total net book value and work in progress, $3.386 million.

We will go back to volume one. Page 2-5, department summary, operations expenditure summary, $47.195 million.

Does the committee agree that the consideration of the department estimates is concluded?

Thank you. At this time, I would like to thank Mr. Handley and his witnesses. Thank you very much. What is the wish of the committee? Do you want to take a break? At this time, we will take a short break. Thank you.

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Welcome back committee. I would like to ask Mr. Speaker if he would like to present the opening comments for the Legislative Assembly. Mr. Delorey.

Mr. Chairman, colleagues, I am pleased to present the 2005/2006 Main Estimates for the Legislative Assembly on behalf of your Board of Management.

The proposed operating expenses for the Legislative Assembly in 2005-06 are $14.477 million. In preparing the estimates for the Legislative Assembly this year, the Board of Management was mindful of the fiscal pressure facing the government as a whole. As such, this year's operating expenses represent a decrease of just over 4.2 percent from last year's revised main estimates. Likewise, the infrastructure acquisition plan includes no items for the Legislative Assembly this year. Those of you who have firsthand knowledge of the parking situation will be aware of how hard it was to come to this decision, as there are some things we know need addressing in the very near future.

The proposed reductions in this year's estimates will have a noticeable impact on the services provided to Members and the public-at-large. Be it the elimination of six full-time employees, the reduction of committee meeting transcription or the capping of the Members' capital accommodation allowance, these cuts will be felt throughout the organization. However, as you are no doubt aware by now, this year's budget will result in reductions in the services provided by all government departments to the people of the NWT. Your Board of Management was keenly aware of this fact when it sat down to draft its estimates this year and is proud to propose a budget to Members that leads by example.

On a more positive note, the previous fiscal year was an eventful one not only because it was the first full year for this 15th Legislative Assembly, it was also an historic year in that it witnessed the recruitment and implementation of the NWT's own Human Rights and Equal Pay commissions. A great deal of effort went into recruiting and appointing Members to the various offices and panels that make up these important arm's length agencies. This fiscal year will be the first fully funded year for both the Human Rights and Equal Pay commissions.

Last year also saw the implementation of sweeping amendments to the Official Languages Act. These amendments resulted in a significant change to the scope and role of the Commissioner of Official Languages and the resulting transfer of funds from the Assembly to the Department of Education, Culture and Employment for the operation of the Aboriginal Languages Revitalization Board and the Official Languages Board. Again, 2005-06 is the first full fiscal year for the Office of the Languages Commissioner under its new scope.

In all these cases, I am confident that we have provided adequate funds for these arm's length bodies to carry out their important mandates with the independence they require.

The year 2004-05 was witness to a second historic event when the leaders of aboriginal, territorial and community governments met for the first time under one roof on the Hay River Reserve in April. Perhaps as an indicator of the success of this first leaders' meeting, the interim president of the Aboriginal Summit proposed that a similar meeting of northern leaders take place on an annual basis. I am pleased to announce that this year's estimates includes funding to host the second meeting in what I hope to be a long-standing tradition of northern leaders working together to build a shared vision of the NWT. This year's meeting will take place in Inuvik from April 18th to 20th and will focus on the development of the Northern Strategy.

Mr. Chair, in follow-up to the fine work performed by the previous Board of Management, this year's estimates include a modest amount of funding to begin the cultural enhancement of this great and symbolic institution as it enters its second decade of service. A fabulous group of individuals from all corners of our territory were recently appointed to serve on the first Cultural Enhancement Advisory Commission which will be ably chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Groenewegen. I have high hopes for the work that this commission will do on behalf of the people of the NWT and look forward to seeing the results.

Finally Mr. Chair, this year's estimates includes funding to begin the work of two important independent commissions: the Electoral Boundaries Commission and the Independent Commission to Review Members' Compensation and Benefits. Both these commissions have a great deal of work to perform in order to submit their recommendations in time for consideration prior to the election of the 16th Legislative Assembly. You can rest assured that these commissions will receive full support from the Legislative Assembly, both financial and otherwise, in fulfilling their important mandates.

In terms of forced growth expenditures, the Legislative Assembly is subject to the same inflationary pressures as other government departments. There is $193,000 in additional funding required this year to cover negotiated increases to compensation and benefits. In addition, the increasing cost of utilities and heating fuel continue to put the same pressure on the Legislative Assembly budget as they do to the budgets of individual Northerners and businesses.

Mr. Chairman, I wish to take this opportunity to once again thank the Members of the Board of Management for their hard work on behalf of all Members in proposing this year's estimates for the Legislative Assembly. The estimates before you today provide the financial and human resources necessary to meet the needs of the Legislative Assembly and allow it to carry out its essential mandate within a climate of fiscal restraint.

I look forward to responding to any comments or questions you may have. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would you like to bring in any witnesses?

Yes, I would, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is the committee in agreement that we allow witnesses?

Thank you, committee. Sergeant-at-Arms, can you escort the witnesses to the table?

For the record, could you please introduce your witnesses.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On my left is Mr. Myles Moreside, director of corporate services; and to my right is Mr. Tim Mercer, Clerk of the Assembly.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome, gentlemen. General comments. I have Mr. Menicoche first.