Thank you. I'm pleased to present the 2016-17 main estimates for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Overall, the department's estimate proposes a net increase of $4.3 million, or five per cent, over the 2015-2016 Main Estimates. These estimates have taken into consideration the priorities and the mandate of the 18th Assembly while responding to the need to be fiscally responsible. Highlights of the proposed estimates include:

● $5.9 million increase in the budget for suppression of wildland fires;

● $1.6 million for the continued implementation of the Water Stewardship Strategy, including the implementation of transboundary water agreements with British Columbia and Alberta and the negotiation of similar agreements with Yukon and Saskatchewan;

● a net increase of $311,000 for the expansion of the hydrometric network in the Northwest Territories; and

● $2 million decrease in departmental spending.

The proposed Department of Environment and Natural Resources estimates supports the priorities of the 18thAssembly, including:

● collaborating and fostering government-to-government relations with Aboriginal governments;

● improving food security by encouraging local food production, traditional harvesting, effective co-management of caribou herds and other wildlife;

● investing in renewable resources, agriculture, arts, fisheries, forestry, manufacturing, tourism, and other traditional harvesting;

● improving coordination and effectiveness in resource management systems, recognizing traditional knowledge, land claim agreements, and devolution; and

● implementing a strategy to mitigate and adapt to climate change in collaboration with other governments and organizations.

This budget includes a number of significant actions which will help the Government of the Northwest Territories achieve these priorities:

● The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, or ENR, will continue to collaborate with Aboriginal governments to complete the next phase of regulation-making under the Wildlife Act.

● ENR will continue to collaborate with Aboriginal governments, co-management boards, and

neighbouring

jurisdictions to protect and conserve our barrenground and boreal caribou populations and their habitat, as well as other wildlife species.

● ENR will continue to support emerging and existing forestry partners, providing essential forest planning, support, resource information, and advice to communities and entrepreneurs on a sustainable development.

● A new five-year Northwest Territories water stewardship action plan will identify key approaches to continuing successful implementation of the strategy by continuing strong collaboration and coordination among water partners. Ongoing capacity building within monitoring and research, concluding negotiations on the implementation, implementing transboundary water agreements and providing expert knowledge and advice on industrial development.

● The Government of the Northwest Territories priorities for conservation and network planning will be outlined in a five-year plan to move forward with finalizing and implementing a made-in-the-north approach to conservation and to continue the work of our Land Use and Sustainability Framework.

● The department will also continue to conduct and support environmental monitoring and research in the Northwest Territories to support and form resource decision-making and better understanding of cumulative impacts on our ecosystem.The department will lead in the development of the Northwest Territories climate change strategic framework which will identify key themes and gaps in the areas of mitigation and adaptation, monitoring, research, and public engagement.

These are just a few highlights of ENR's ambitious agenda to ensure the sustainable use of our natural resources and protection of our environment. That concludes my opening remarks.