I am pleased to present the 2014-2015 Main Estimates for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations.
The department’s main estimates propose an operations expenditures budget of $9.195 million, an increase of 5 percent from the 2013-2014 Main Estimates. This increase is largely attributed to $131,000 in forced growth for collective bargaining adjustments and $277,000 in investments to support the increased workload that will result from devolution. This includes assuming a lead role in lands negotiations at all Aboriginal rights negotiations in the Northwest Territories and coordinating the activities of the Intergovernmental Council on Land and Resource Management.
The department’s 2014-2015 Main Estimates also include the restatement of resources to reflect the transfer of the women’s advisory unit from the Department of Executive and the Aboriginal consultation unit from the Department of Justice.
The decision was made to transfer the senior advisor for the Status of Women position to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, as this position liaises with both the Northwest Territories and national Native Women’s Association and with the Northwest Territories and federal and provincial Status of Women councils. The senior advisor will also have the added benefit of working alongside experienced colleagues who are engaged in intergovernmental meeting preparation and planning.
The decision to transfer the Aboriginal consultation unit was made to better align with the department’s expertise in the area of Aboriginal rights and to coordinate the Government of the Northwest Territories duty to consult efforts with its cooperation and partnership-building efforts with Aboriginal governments. Although undeniably rooted in law, fulfilling the duty to consult is a key tool for building relationships between Aboriginal governments and the Government of the Northwest Territories.
That concludes my opening remarks. I look forward to the committee’s comments and questions.