I am pleased to present the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations’ main estimates for the fiscal year 2012-2013.
The department’s main estimates propose an operations expenditures budget of $7.304 million, a decrease of 4.1 percent from the 2011-2012 Main Estimates. This decrease is due to the sunset of resources which were provided for hosting the 2011 Western Premiers’ Conference and the comprehensive mandate review project the department undertook.
No forced growth or investments have been requested for 2012-2013. Any new initiatives and ongoing work aimed at advancing the 17
th Legislative Assembly priority of Building a Strong and Sustainable Future for Our Territory will be supported from within existing resources.
In addition to its day-to-day responsibilities, the department has led the development of a government-wide Aboriginal Government Engagement Strategy that will assist the Government of the Northwest Territories in fulfilling the 17
th Legislative Assembly’s priority of renewing
and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal governments. In doing so, the Government of the Northwest Territories and Aboriginal governments will be better positioned to advance their respective and shared priorities and serve the interests of all Northwest Territories residents.
The department is also leading the development of a Government of the Northwest Territories Federal Engagement Strategy which advances the vision of the 17
th Legislative Assembly and the priorities
identified in the Believing in People and Building on the Strengths of Northerners.
The department will also continue 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 Northwest Territories.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide an overview of the department’s 2012-2013 main estimates. I look forward to discussing them with you in more detail. Thank you.