Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to present the 2010-2011 Main Estimates for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations.

The department, on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, is responsible for representing the interests of all NWT residents at aboriginal rights tables, and through our intergovernmental relations with aboriginal, provincial, federal and territorial governments.

The core business of the department directly supports the 16th Legislative Assembly’s goal of a

strong and independent North built on partnerships. This is evidenced through the partnerships that have been formalized with northern governments and our collective efforts to work on areas of common interest, find solutions for community, regional and territorial issues and most recently work towards a common vision for political development of the NWT. The department also continues to focus on doing its part to building a solid foundation for intergovernmental relations by working effectively with its federal and aboriginal partners to finalize land, resources and self-government agreements in all regions of the NWT.

In total, the department’s main estimates proposes total operating expenses of $8.18 million for the coming year, which is an increase of 17 percent, or $1.373 million, from last year’s main estimates.

Political Development of the NWT

Mr. Chairman, a large portion of this increase is in support of advancing the 16th Legislative

Assembly’s priority of a common vision for the political development of the NWT. One-time funding of $864,000 is included in this budget to support the work of the Northern Leaders’ Forum on political development that has been established to oversee this work.

This funding will also be used to engage with NWT residents and other northern stakeholders in the development of a common vision. Through public consultations, this will provide opportunities to learn from the past as we seek to chart a course for the future of the NWT.

The Northern Leaders’ Forum is comprised of leaders from the seven regional aboriginal governments, the president of the NWT Association of Communities, myself as Premier and two Members of this Legislative Assembly, Mr. Krutko and Mr. Ramsay. Through the work of the forum we hope to provide a strong and clear common vision for the NWT that will enhance our collective ability to successfully advance key issues of importance for northern governments. Northern leaders are committed to working together and engaging with Northerners to help unify our northern voice.

Mr. Chairman, this budget also includes $210,000 in investments from two of the key strategic initiatives for the coming year to help the government achieve its vision.

Maximizing Opportunities

As this government looks for ways to promote the NWT as a place to visit and live, the department proposes to invest $80,000 through the Maximizing Opportunities strategic initiative to undertake the initial planning work in advance of the NWT hosting the 2011 Western Premiers’ Conference. This work will include identifying potential host communities, securing venues, developing promotional material, soliciting volunteers and arranging for entertainment.

Hosting the annual Western Premiers’ Conference provides us with an opportunity to showcase the natural beauty and pristine nature of our Territory, promote economic and tourism potential and provide a financial benefit to the NWT.

Managing This Land

Through the Managing This Land strategic initiative, a proposed $130,000 investment is included to provide the project management for a comprehensive review of all GNWT negotiating

mandates that guide the GNWT’s participation at all land, resources and self-government negotiations.

This project is being undertaken to ensure consistency with the context, complexities and circumstances of evolving and new negotiations in the NWT. The resulting new or revised mandates will be responsive to lessons learned from the precedence set by finalized agreements in the NWT and elsewhere in Canada, to changing case law regarding aboriginal rights, and to new, innovative and creative governance models proposed by aboriginal parties.

While much of the project will be technical in nature, it is essential that the work undertaken be guided by a politically endorsed vision of how the NWT should be governed and the future role of the GNWT in a post self-government environment. I look forward to continuing to work closely with members of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure over the coming months in developing the principles of a governance vision.

Concluding Remarks

Mr. Chairman, I am confident that the proposed main estimates will enable the department to represent the interests of all NWT residents at 15 aboriginal rights tables and through our intergovernmental relations with aboriginal, provincial, federal and territorial governments.

That concludes my opening remarks. I am prepared to answer any questions committee members may have. Thank you.