Thank you, Madam Chair. I am pleased to present the 2006-2007 Main Estimates for the Department of the Executive.

The 2005-2006 Main Estimates have been restated from $8.946 million to $10.423 million. The difference is due to three main adjustments: the transfer of the responsibility for devolution and resource revenue sharing negotiations from the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs; the transfer of the Bureau of Statistics from the Department of Finance; and the transfer of Intergovernmental Affairs to the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs.

The transfers were part of a broader reorganization plan to improve the effectiveness of coordination of government. As a critical priority for this government, the responsibilities for devolution were transferred to the Executive to facilitate the interdepartmental coordination that will be of the utmost importance over the next year to ensure that the best deal for the Northwest Territories is realized.

The strategic planning branch will provide strategic advice on maters that have government-wide implications, help update and implement the government's strategic plan and ensure that we have current, consistent and accurate statistical information.

For 2006-2007, the Department of Executive is requesting a budget of $13.197 million, which represents a 26.62 percent, or $2.774 million, increase from the restated 2005-2006 Main Estimates.

Improving Planning And Coordination In Government

Following advice from Members of the House as well as local and regional leaders, the Executive is leading an initiative to improve planning and coordinating functions of government in order to provide for more efficient and effective delivery of government services to the public.

This initiative, which has been developed in consultation with committees of the Legislative Assembly, includes improving our government's regional operations. Given the economic, political and social changes in our communities, we must ensure our government, and the programs and services we provide, are easily accessible to the public. To assist in this goal, our government is proposing the creation of five new regional superintendent positions.

To fulfill its mandate to provide improved planning and coordination in government, the Executive is asking for new funding in the amount of $2.182 million.

Other Increases - Forced Growth

The Executive is also requesting approval for the $754,000 in forced growth increases as follows:

• • $546,000 related to the salary increases resulting from the Collective Agreement,
• • $25,000 for other O and M forced growth increases, and
• • $55,000 related to the extension of devolution and resource revenue sharing negotiations.

It is important the Commissioner's office has the resources to do the job effectively. It is proposed than an increase of $100,000 be made for the improved administration and operation of the Commissioner's office.

The Executive is also requesting $28,000 in increased core funding to the Status of Women Council and the Native Women's Association as a result of increased compensation and benefits requirements consistent with those offered to the public service.

Other Initiatives

Finally, the Executive is seeking an increase of $150,000 for a grant-in-kind for band council subsidized office leases in the communities of Tulita, Fort McPherson, Fort Resolution, Fort Providence and Deline. This is a non-cash requirement and will be offset by a similar increase to grant-in-kind revenue in the Department of Public Works and Services.

Madam Chair, I am now prepared to answer any questions committee members may have. Thank you. Mahsi cho.