Yes, I do, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to present the 2015-2016 Main Estimates for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations. Overall, the department’s estimates propose an increase of $110,000, or 1.2 percent, over the 2014-2015 Main Estimates. These Estimates continue to support the objectives of limiting expenditure growth in order to sustain the long-term sustainability of the fiscal framework.
Highlights of the proposed estimates include: • $201,000 in forced growth for collective
bargaining adjustments;
• $25,000 in forced growth to increase the level of
core funding provided to the Status of Women Council and the Native Women’s Association; and
• $122,000 in expenditure reductions.
The proposed estimates support the priorities of the 17th Assembly. Specific activities in support of these
priorities include: • continuing to strengthen the Government of the
Northwest Territories’ relationship with Aboriginal governments through the negotiation of bilateral intergovernmental cooperation agreements that reflect the unique interests and challenges of Aboriginal governments;
• ensuring that appropriate leadership and
support is available to all departments in fulfilling the Government of the Northwest Territories’ objective of strengthening and maintaining relationships with Aboriginal governments through the creation of a new Aboriginal consultation and relations division;
• ensuring the effective ongoing implementation
of devolution plans and agreements, including providing leadership to the Intergovernmental Council on Lands and Resource Management;
• continuing to work effectively with our federal
and Aboriginal partners to finalize and implement land, resources and self-government agreements in all regions of the Northwest Territories; and
• supporting the Government of the Northwest
Territories’ more prominent and active role on the national scene by assuming the chair of the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group, providing a leadership role in the planning for a National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and co-chairing a national working group established to find solutions for reducing the disproportionate number of Aboriginal children in the child welfare systems across Canada.
That concludes my opening remarks. Thank you, Mr. Chair.