Yes, Mr. Chairman. The 2011-2012 main estimates for the Department of Executive. The goals for the Department of Executive are centred on 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 priorities of the 16th Legislative Assembly.

The overall proposed budget for the department is $15.07 million for 2011-2012, which is an increase of $764,000, or 5.3 percent, from the 2010-2011 main estimates. The overall increase since the last main estimates is due to $445,000 for strategic initiatives and $570,000 in forced growth, including $337,000 in collective bargaining increases, offset by sunsets of $251,000.

The 2011-2012 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 have been advanced during 2011-2012.

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 $145,000 to support implementation of an overall growth strategy. The growth strategy is currently under development and will build on the existing activities like the national marketing campaign that support overall growth in the Northwest Territories.

An investment of $150,000 is also reflected in the main estimates related to the community price surveys that are being undertaken as part of the efforts to monitor impacts of the changes in electrical rates on consumer prices. This investment is supporting collection by the Bureau of Statistics in all communities that is being undertaken in six month intervals over 2010-2011 and 2011-2012.

The regional offices within the Executive operations branch are coordinating implementation of the pilot project for single-window service centres in rural and remote communities. That was advanced as part of the Refocusing Government Strategic Initiative. These offices, located in Ulukhaktok, Aklavik, Fort Good Hope, Colville Lake, Nahanni Butte, Fort Providence, Whati and Lutselk’e, were opened in the fall of 2010 and are staffed by a government service officer, or GSO. We have been fortunate in recruiting Aboriginal people for all of these positions who, in most cases, are able to deliver services and work in their own Aboriginal language. These GSOs are a great asset to our government. They provide assistance to residents of these smaller communities to access Government of the Northwest Territories programs and services. We are getting very positive feedback on the establishment of these offices. GSOs are using proactive approaches to help residents, like

elders. One day a week the GSOs are out of their offices and visiting with elders in the communities to listen to concerns and provide practical assistance to help elders access programs and services as required.

These main estimates do not reflect funding required for the next stage of devolution negotiations and implementation planning. As Members know, the AIP was signed last month, well after this budget was developed. The department will need to return to the Legislative Assembly for funding to support negotiations for a final agreement, including GNWT support for participation of regional Aboriginal governments. Members will be aware that the AIP includes funding for the GNWT and Aboriginal governments to complete a number of activities before a final agreement is reached, including developing an organizational design, completing work on waste sites, developing training plans, assessing IT requirements, and developing territorial legislation. The negotiations are separate from these activities, and the GNWT will need to ensure that participating northern governments have adequate resources to complete this next critical stage.

Also included in these main estimates is the Cabinet support branch of the Department of Executive, which 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’ offices, which include the Premier’s office and support to Ministers as well as the Department of Executive’s portion of the federal Engagement Strategy activities. This activity is being coordinated by the Premier’s office and will support additional capacity to engage the federal government on our key priorities.

Also reflected in the main estimates is the office of the secretary to Cabinet, which 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.

Mr. Chairman, that concludes my introductory remarks and I am prepared to answer any questions that committee members may have.