Page 2-30, Executive, activity summary, Cabinet support, grants and contributions, contributions, total contributions, $604,000.

Page 2-30, Executive, activity summary, Cabinet support, grants and contributions, total grants and contributions, $823,000.

Page 2-31, Executive, activity summary, information item, Cabinet support, active positions.

Page 2-32, Executive, information item, lease commitments – infrastructure.

Is committee agreed that we’ve concluded consideration of the Department of Executive?

Mr. Premier, if could get you to thank your witnesses for joining us today. Sergeant-at-Arms, if I could please get you to escort the witnesses out, that would be great.

Next on the list would be the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations. Is committee agreed that we proceed with Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations?

Alright. We’ll go to the Premier for opening comments.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m here to present the 2011-2012 main estimates for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations. The core business of the department is guided by the 16

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Legislative Assembly’s goal of a strong and independent North built on partnerships.

The department’s main estimates propose total operating expenses of $7.619 million for the coming year which is a decrease of 6.9 percent, or $561,000, from the 2010-2011 main estimates.

This decrease is attributed to an $864,000 sunset of the resources allocated for the development of a common vision and roadmap for the NWT and $65,000 sunset from the resources used to support the Comprehensive Mandate Review Project. These sunsets are partially offset by a Maximizing Opportunities strategic investment of $115,000 to host the 2011 Western Premiers Conference, and $50,000 to implement the Federal Engagement Strategy, and $198,000 in collective bargaining increases.

During the life of this Assembly five additional negotiation tables have been created by the federal government, bringing the total number of tables in the Northwest Territories to 15. Through the strength and capacity provided as part of the Managing This Land Strategic Initiative the department is well positioned to represent and promote the interests of all NWT residents at each Aboriginal rights table.

It is critically important that our negotiators are supported by up-to-date mandates that offer reasonable solutions and support, and overall workable, affordable and effective system of governance. With investments provided through the Managing This Land Strategic Initiative the department was able to make significant progress in advancing the Comprehensive Mandate Review Project to completion during the life of the 16

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Legislative Assembly.

Further investments have supported the work undertaken by the department to implement the GNWT’s consultation framework. All departments are now supported with a number of resource tools including a consultation resources guide and training modules, designed specifically around consultation. Over the past year, officials from DARE and the Department of Justice have jointly delivered their consultation training course to over 70 GNWT staff in all regions.

This past January I had the opportunity to present the results of Creating Our Future Together Initiative to the Members of the Northern Leaders’ Forum. The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Northwest Territories Metis Nation and the Northwest Territories Association of Communities also presented the summary reports of their respective engagement processes. At our meeting, members of the Northern Leaders’ Forum agreed to continue the work of developing a vision for the NWT. We will meet again in the near future and agreed to hold a conference in the spring to further advance the vision and roadmap of our future.

As Premier and Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations I’ve made it a priority to ensure that I met with regional Aboriginal government leaders on a regular basis and I continue to do so. Since taking office we have met as regional leaders 10 times to discuss territorial matters of mutual concern and interest. Through increased engagement on the Arctic Council and in circumpolar relations we’ve been successful in advancing the prospective and interest of Northerners with our circumpolar neighbours. Building circumpolar relationships is important and a valuable aspect of the NWT’s vision of strong partnerships with northern governments. It presents an opportunity to learn from our neighbours and also share our knowledge and experiences with them.

Mr. Chairman, the work undertaken by the department during the life of the 16th Legislative Assembly will serve to advance many of our collective priorities such as finalizing and implementing Aboriginal rights agreements and representing our government and the NWT effectively at all federal, territorial, provincial and Aboriginal intergovernmental tables.

Financing the implementation of self-government remains a critical outstanding issue at all negotiation tables. The GNWT has identified a significant shortfall in the funding required by Aboriginal self-governments to fully implement their agreements and has shared its costing model with regional Aboriginal government leaders and at individual self-government negotiating tables to raise awareness of the issue. The department, in partnership with Aboriginal governments, will continue its efforts to engage Canada to

acknowledge its ongoing role and responsibilities with respect to the implementation of self-government agreements in the NWT.

As Members are aware, the NWT will once again play host to the Western Premiers Conference in June 2011. As host, I plan to showcase our great Territory and provide a memorable northern experience for my western Premier colleagues. Hosting this conference also provides us with an important opportunity to influence the meeting agenda and raise the priorities of the NWT among important provincial partners.

That concludes my opening comments and I am prepared to answer any questions committee members may have. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Would you like to bring witnesses into the Chamber?

Yes, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Is committee agreed that we allow the Premier to bring in some witnesses?

Thank you. Sergeant-at-Arms, if I can get you to please escort the witnesses into the Chamber.

Thank you. Mr. Premier, can I get you to please introduce your witnesses for the record.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To my left is Gabriela Sparling, deputy minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, and to my right is Richard Robertson, director of policy, planning and communications. Thank you.

Thank you, Premier Roland. As with previous departments, committee, we’ll go through general comments and allow the Premier to respond en masse at the end. Are there any general comments on Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations? Mr. Krutko.