Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I am pleased to present the 2016-2017 Main Estimates for the Department of Lands. Overall, the department’s estimates propose a net decrease of $1,015,000, a decrease of three per cent from the 2015-16 main estimates, and a decrease of four positions. These estimates directly support the objectives of limiting expenditure growth in order to achieve the long-term sustainability of the fiscal framework. The estimates include $133,000 for one additional remote sensing analyst for the Western Arctic Centre for Geomatics in Inuvik. Funding for a new Western Arctic Centre for Geomatics was approved in 2015-2016 to provide geomatics services and research support for lands, resource, and infrastructure management. These services and research will provide the GNWT with more and better information to improve the stewardship of our lands and resources. We held the line on expenditure management with no forced growth other than northern allowance adjustments of $29,000.
We are further responding to the government’s fiscal pressures and fiscal strategy through ongoing reductions to the operating base totalling $1,052,000. The estimates include sunsets of $150,000 for one-time funding. The estimates include increased revenues of $460,000. We are proposing to modernize the rates for regulatory revenues, quarry royalties and land leases. In 2016-17, we have restructured to create the securities and project assessment division. This division is an amalgamation of the liabilities and financial assurance division and the project assessment branch to generate greater efficiencies and support further work in the area of securities. This will include working with boards and other GNWT departments to develop policies and procedures. There is no net fiscal impact from this amalgamation.
We have just completed our second year of operation since the department’s creation on April 1, 2014. There are a number of key accomplishments and changes that I would like to highlight. In the summer of 2015, the department held a ballot draw. The uptake on the ballot draw opportunity demonstrated a strong and growing demand for more recreational land use opportunities in the NWT. The department is now consulting on a draft recreational land management framework which will provide guidance on how the GNWT will manage recreational land in the future, including plans for making more land available for recreational purposes. The department is, and will continue to work towards making land available through fee simple title where possible
In March 2016, the department hosted a second Land Use Planning Forum to discuss and feed into the development of the land use planning strategic framework. In attendance were representatives from land see planning boards, and Aboriginal and federal governments, as well as from GNWT departments. The department led the GNWT’s response to Cantung Mine. The department ensured the clean-up responsibility was returned to Canada. It secured the leasehold interests in the Mactung property in order to protect and preserve GNWT security interests in the Cantung property. This protects the economic potential of the Mactung resource for future sale. Contribution agreements were finalized and funding arrangements were negotiated with the federal government for the establishment of the Surface Rights Board. Regulations were developed, leading to the Surface Rights Board becoming fully operational on April 1, 2016, which met legislated timelines.
The proposed estimates for the Department of Lands continue to support the priorities of the 18thLegislative Assembly, particularly under the environment, economy, and climate change, governance and accountable, and transparent government themes. Our legislative initiatives include developing a path forward for the Northwest Territories Lands Act and Commissioner’s Land Act which will involve policy development, procedures, and legislative amendments. Some of this work can be completed in the short-term, while other activities will require a longer timeframe.
The department is coordinating GNWT input on further regulatory work by Canada affecting lands and resources in the NWT and has provided input on five sets of regulations under development or amendment. The department continues to manage the inspections, compliance, and enforcement program with a focus on education and awareness. We also continue to work with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the cross-appointment of inspectors, and to respond to spills. As a new department, we continue to assess our resource allocations to ensure they are directed to the areas that will respond to the priorities of this 18thLegislative Assembly and to the areas where the need is greatest. We continue to work to ensure that devolved programs are being effectively and efficiently managed. This concludes my opening remarks, Mr. Chair. I look forward to Members’ comments and questions.