Thank you, Madam Chair. Over the last few weeks, Members of the Legislative Assembly have been working hard on reviewing the departmental budgets for the 2013-14 fiscal year. This review started with the review of the departmental 2013-14 business plans last September and consideration of the 2013-14 Main Estimates in Committee of the Whole during the current session.
As part of their review, Members of his House have recommended amendments to the 2013-14 Main Estimates:
With respect to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment:
1. $600,000 to increase funding identified for the
tourism industry for increased investment in tourism marketing activities.
2. A transfer of $100,000 identified for energy
policy initiatives to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to increase funding to the Energy Efficiency Incentive Program.
With respect to the Department of Health and Social Services:
1. An additional $330,000 to establish midwifery
services in Hay River. The total amount to be allocated in 2013-14 for this initiative is $470,000. The remaining $140,000 will be re-profiled funding identified for the territorial midwifery clinical coordinator position.
2. $1.670 million to increase funding for prevention
and promotion activities. The government will consult with the Standing Committee on Social Programs on the allocation of this funding.
I will follow through with these commitments in the Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2013-14, which will be introduced into this House within the next few days. Thank you, Madam Chair.