I do, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to present the 2017-2018 Main Estimates for the Department of Health and Social Services. The total proposed budget for the department is $423,457,000. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of $9.2 million, which is an increase of 2 per cent over the 2016-2017 Main Estimates.
These estimates continue to support the GNWT's objective of ensuring a strong, sustainable future for the government and its programs by managing expenditures due to limited revenue growth.
Highlights of proposed budget include:
● forced growth of $16.17 million;
● sunsets and other adjustments of $10 million;
● funding for initiatives totalling $2 million; and
● reductions of just under $1.6 million.
The 2017-2018 Main Estimates include an increase of $8.6 million from the 2017-2018 business plan reviewed by standing committee in September. This additional funding includes allocations to staff to operationalize the new Hay River health centre and the Norman Wells health and social services long-term care centre. The new positions for these facilities in the 2017-2018 total 24: one in Hay River, 23 in Norman Wells.
Increased funding has been included to continue to work to move all health and social services authorities to operating on common information platforms supported by the TSC. The budget also includes $750,000 in new funding to address the needs of the homeless population by expanding hours of the day shelter and establishing a sober incentive program in Yellowknife.
The department's proposed spending for 2017-2018 continues to support the priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly. To support seniors and elders to remain in their communities, $877,000 has been allocated for the operation of the new Jimmy Erasmus Seniors Home in Behchoko, which includes funding for four new positions. The budget also includes $331,000 in new funding for two positions to meet our regulatory obligations as a result of devolution. That concludes my opening remarks.