Yes, I do, thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to present the 2017-2018 Main Estimates for the Department of Lands. Overall, the department’s estimates propose a decrease of $1,962,000 from the 2016-2017 Main Estimates, which is a decrease of 7 per cent. These estimates continue to support the GNWT’s objective of ensuring a strong and sustainable future for the government and its programs by managing expenditures due to limited revenue growth.

Consistent with the GNWT’s fiscal strategy, the department is managing the growth to its operations expenditures in 2017-18. The main estimates do include $130,000 for one unmanned aircraft systems coordinator. This investment will help GNWT departments expand their environmental and infrastructure monitoring capabilities at a reduced cost. More accurate and comprehensive information can be used to improve decision-making and knowledge-sharing. This investment will permit the GNWT to realize its goal to become a leading jurisdiction in Canada in the use of drones.

We are further responding to the government’s fiscal pressures and fiscal strategy through reductions to the operating budget totaling $2,029,000, including the reduction of six positions.

The department’s proposed spending in 2017-18 continues to support the priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly by working cooperatively with other departments to help them fulfill their mandates and coordinating GNWT input and decision-making into our integrated resource management regime.

Specific activities in support of these priorities include land use planning in a collaborative process where strong relationships exist between communities and government. We are engaging the public on planning activities, and we are providing contribution funding to Aboriginal governments to build capacity and prepare for planning activities in their regions.

In collaboration with territorial planning partners, the department has developed regional land use planning guidelines for the GNWT. The GNWT actively participates on the Deh Cho Land Use Planning Committee. We are working collaboratively with the Tlicho Government and other planning partners to develop a terms of reference to move forward with planning for public lands in the Wek'eezhii management area. In areas to the northeast and southeast of Great Slave Lake, we are engaging with other departments and with Aboriginal governments and organizations to understand their interests in planning for these areas and we will be hosting our 3rd Annual Land Use Planning Forum, this March.

The Land Use and Sustainability Framework is the GNWT’s vision of a balanced approach to land and resource management across the Northwest Territories. The department is working with other departments to ensure that GNWT decisions support the implementation of this vision.

The department’s work on the Recreational Leasing Management Framework is nearing completion, and it will guide the government’s approach for the management and administration of recreational leasing opportunities, for which there is a strong and growing demand. The framework reflects Northerners’ desire to have diverse opportunities to experience and enjoy northern land and waters. The department is leading the development of a recreation management plan for the Yellowknife periphery area, where there is high demand.

To support the evolution of our legislative and policy framework, a review of the Northwest Territories Lands Act and Commissioner’s Land Act is under way to propose technical and administrative amendments. This initiative will require engagement and consultation at different stages in the process and result in a more streamlined and administratively efficient system.

Our inspection, compliance, and enforcement program works to protect human health, property, and the environment by ensuring users of land comply with legislation and the terms of their leases, licenses, and permits. We promote voluntary compliance through education as the most desirable way of upholding land authorizations. We continue to pursue the removal of unauthorized occupants on public land, and a renewed Compliance and Enforcement Policy is under development. We work with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the cross-appointment of inspectors and on a coordinated response to spills. We collaborate with ENR and other departments to protect the government from public liabilities through a sound financial security system.

The department is coordinating GNWT input on further regulatory work by Canada affecting lands and resources in the NWT. The department will continue to work with partner departments and resource management boards to deliver outreach and knowledge-sharing events to support public participation in regulatory processes.

This concludes my opening remarks. I look forward to Members’ comments and questions. Thank you.