I am pleased to present the 2010-11 Main Estimates for the Department of Executive. The goals for the Department of Executive are centred around our role in ensuring effective coordination of government activities, supporting informed decision-making related to policies and programming, and coordinating implementation of strategic initiatives that advance the priorities of the 16th Legislative Assembly.

The overall proposed budget for the department is $14.306 million for 2010-11, which is an increase of $1.910 million or 15 percent from the 2009-10 revised estimates. The overall increase is largely due to $1.828 million for strategic initiatives and $542,000 in forced growth, offset by sunsets of $460,000. The proposed budget includes a total of 68 active positions in 2010-11.

The largest single contributor to the increased departmental budget is the $950,000 and eight positions that are proposed to be added in rural and remote communities to support the single window service centre pilot project. This investment is part of the overall investments proposed in the 2010-11 Main Estimates to strengthen service delivery in our smaller communities that were recommended by the Committee on the Sustainability of Rural and Remote Communities.

Residents of smaller NWT communities often do not have the same access to services as residents in larger communities and the single window service centres will create a focal point for residents in smaller communities to access programs. Staff will be available to help residents identify and access the programs they need, and wherever possible, in the aboriginal language of the community.

The 2010-11 Main Estimates reflect the key activities where the department plays a critical role

in leading or coordinating the development and implementation of strategic actions that advance the Assembly’s priorities.

The executive operations branch includes the strategic planning unit, program review office, Bureau of Statistics, office of devolution, and the regional operations offices for the Department of Executive. In addition to the core business activities, there are a number of priority areas that will be advanced during 2010-11.

As part of the Managing this Land strategic initiative, the Department of Executive has coordinated the development of the land use framework for the GNWT. These main estimates include investments of $468,000 to implementations associated with the land use framework. These resources will be primarily used to improve the GNWT’s capacity to coordinate our role in land use and management activities and ensure consistency in advancing overall territorial land interests. We will also provide support to aid activities that strengthen Northerners working together on land management activities.

As was noted in the budget address, the Northwest Territories has experienced virtually no population growth over the past five years. As part of the Maximizing Opportunities strategic initiative, these main estimates include $255,000 to support planning and implementation of an overall growth strategy. This work, needs to build on the national marketing campaign that the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is undertaking.

Finally, an investment of $155,000 is proposed as part of these main estimates to support the completion of an accurate census in early 2011. As we have seen in the past, the work the Bureau of Statistics did with communities in advance of the 2006 Census resulted in a much more accurate census count than in 2001 when there were significant problems. An accurate census count is particularly critical to our funding arrangement with the Government of Canada and this investment will help ensure problems of the past with the national census were not repeated.

The Cabinet support branch of the Department of Executive is responsible for ensuring systems are in place to support informed decision-making and successful implementation of Cabinet direction. The branch includes the Cabinet Secretariat, Legislation and House Planning, corporate communications and protocol, the women’s advisory office, and supports the Commissioner’s office.

Other key activities for the department that are reflected in these main estimates include the Ministers’ office, which include the Premier’s office and support to Ministers. Also reflected is the departmental director which includes the office of the secretary to Cabinet, who is responsible for providing overall leadership for the public service,

supporting Executive Council decision-making, and coordinating the development and implementation of overall government-wide direction. Finally, the department also provides operational support to the Public Utilities Board which is the independent regulatory agency responsible for energy regulation within the Northwest Territories.

That concludes my introductory remarks and I would be pleased to answer any questions that committee members may have. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.