Thank you, Madam Chair. I am pleased to present the Department of Health and Social Services' main estimates for fiscal year 2007-08.

The department is requesting just over $277 million, an increase of approximately $12 million, or approximately 4.3 percent, over last year. The funding will be allocated to the following main areas of activity:

• • $156 million for health services programs that include public health, chronic care clinics, inpatient and outpatient care, and physician services;
• • $69 million for community health and social programs that promote healthy lifestyles and community wellness, and services for at-risk individuals and families;
• • $28.2 million for program delivery support, including $12 million for authority administration and $5.9 million for specific recruitment and retention, and training initiatives system-wide;
• • $18 million for supplementary health programs; and
• • $6 million for system-wide support.

New investments will be made totalling $2.269 million, including:

• • $1.1 million to fund enhanced rehabilitation services;
• • $510,000 for homelessness initiatives including a small communities contribution fund;
• • $360,000 for the Aboriginal Wellness Program at the four NWT hospitals;
• • $150,000 for an additional nurse practitioner; and
• • $137,000 to promote reduced use of tobacco through the First Nations and Inuit Tobacco Strategy.

The department's capital investments of $10.1 million include:

• • a consolidated clinic in Yellowknife;
• • renovations to the Fort Smith Health Centre;
• • technical upgrades for Stanton Territorial Hospital;
• • funding for continued work on electronic health records; and
• • funding for medical equipment and workspace upgrades for front-line Health and Social Services staff across the NWT.

The 2007-08 budget for Health and Social Services follows the direction outlined in the department's updated strategic and action plans. We are proposing to focus our resources to improve:

• • services to people;
• • support to staff and trustees;
• • system-wide management and accountability; and
• • development of the integrated service delivery model.

We are continuing to invest in mental health and addictions services. To date, 77 positions have been core funded to deliver these services. We will continue to work with health authorities, Members of this House, community agencies and aboriginal governments to address the need for mental health and addictions services in our communities.

That concludes my opening remarks. I would be pleased to answer any questions Members may have. Thank you, Madam Chair.