Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm pleased to present the 2016-2017 Main Estimates for the Department of Health and Social Services. The total proposed budget for the department is $414,234,000. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of $7.3 million or 1.8 per cent over the 2015-2016 Main Estimates. These estimates continue to support the objective of limiting expenditure growth in order to sustain the long-term sustainability of the fiscal framework.
Highlights of the proposed budget include:
● forced growth of $12.9 million;
● subsets of $9 million;
● funding for initiatives totalling $5.3 million;
● reductions of just under $2 million.
The proposed Department of Health and Social Services estimates continue to support the priorities of the 18thLegislative Assembly, to support the priority of making strategic investments in transportation infrastructure and workforce development and utilizing partnerships with northern and Aboriginal businesses. The budget includes $1.9 million for the new Hay River Regional Health Centre set to open on June 11, 2016.
I am pleased that the budget also includes proposed funding of $501,000 to implement the new Mental Health Act. This act will support the Legislative Assembly's priority of focusing on mental health and addictions by ensuring that services are delivered locally with culturally appropriate methods. Finally, $1.1 million in new funding is proposed for the operation of the new wing of the Jimmy Erasmus Seniors Home in Behchoko. Mr. Chair, that concludes my opening remarks.