Yes, Mr. Chairman. I'm here to present the Department of Executive's Main Estimates for the fiscal year 2008–2009.
The Department of Executive works with all government departments to ensure that the goals and priorities identified by Members of the Legislative Assembly are being pursued in a balanced and effective manner across the GNWT.
Funding provided in this proposed budget will further contribute to Executive's capacity to provide advice and direction to departments on government priorities and to coordinate significant cross-department initiatives, such as implementation of the government's strategic initiatives.
For 2008–2009 the Department of Executive is requesting a budget of $12.976 million. That represents a decline of 1.4 per cent, or $185,000, compared to the 2007–2008 Main Estimates. This change consists of a combination of forced growth and strategic investment increases, and a series of specific reductions distributed between regional and headquarter operations.
The department's Main Estimates include slightly over $1 million in strategic investments as part of our Refocusing Government initiative. We are proposing $424,000 to support our critical evaluation of cost and effectiveness in government programming. Strengthening our ability to make our own decisions about how we develop and protect our land and resources is critical to the long-term well-being of Northerners and will be addressed through our Managing This Land initiative.
In order to advance devolution and resource revenue–sharing negotiations, we are proposing to invest $489,000 to replace sunsetted funding and continue our efforts to bring greater control over decisions about NWT land and resources back to the NWT.
Finally, we have proposed $100,000 to support the development of a comprehensive land-use framework for the NWT as part of Managing This Land. Sustainable development, the protection of our land and environment, support for the settlement of land claims, and capacity to support a broad range of public government services demand a relevant and comprehensive framework to guide our decisions and advance territorial interests.
There are modest increases attributed to forced growth related to collective agreement increases,
core funding to the Status of Women Council and Native Women's Association and increases to cover costs of operation for the Public Utilities Board.
Our Main Estimates also incorporate reduction of 11 staff positions affecting ten people. We are re-profiling our support for the coordination of regional operations, closing three of the five regional Executive offices. We have deleted two vacant positions and eliminated three administrative positions.
In addition, we have proposed reductions in various O&M budgets totalling approximately $300,000. These reductions affect regional office O&M, travel in headquarters, and contract expenses in headquarters.
That concludes my opening remarks. I would be pleased to answer questions the Members may have. Thank you.