The Department of Executive 2007-2008 Main Estimates identifies increases totalling $529,000 as follows:
- • forced growth salary increases and northern allowance resulting from the UNW Collective Agreement in the amount of $339,000 - third year;
- • a forced growth increase of $76,000 to fund the improvement of financial services support; and
- • a transfer of $100,000 from DAAIR to Executive to fund the Beaufort-Delta capacity building initiative.
The amalgamation of all human resource services activities into one central agency and the subsequent creation of the new Department of Human Resources -- DHR -- requires the addition of one finance and administration clerk in the financial shared services section of the Department of Executive. This section provides financial services to the Executive, FMBS, DAAIR and DHR. The addition of a significant number of employees who once provided human resource service delivery in each department has added to the volume and complexity of transactions that are processed by the Department of Executive's financial shared services section. In addition, this section now processes all medical travel claims; claims that used to be processed in each department.
Reductions
These increases are offset by the $565,000 proposed funding reductions:
- • sunsetting of the senior advisor, Mackenzie gas project impact fund, $185,000;
- • reduction in funding required to support the 2006 National Census, $50,000;
- • a reduction in the cost for leased office space in Norman Wells in the amount of $30,000, which is being transferred to Public Works and Services; and
- • reduction of one-time funding required to establish and staff four new regional director offices, $300,000.
The Executive has completed the establishment of full-time regional offices in the Beaufort-Delta, Inuvik; the Sahtu, Norman Wells; the Deh Cho, Fort Simpson; South Slave, Fort Smith; and North Slave, Yellowknife. The regional directors now provide an important focal point both for local and aboriginal government and the general public to address issues of concern on overall government matters. The regional directors also assist in coordinating GNWT activities in the regions as they pertain to relationships with other governments and the public and regarding government initiatives that have an interdepartmental focus.
Regional management committees will determine initiatives supported by the Mackenzie gas pipeline impact fund and regional directors from the Department of Executive will represent GNWT's interests on those committees.
I am now prepared to answer any questions committee members may have. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mahsi cho.