I am pleased to present the 2017-2018 Main Estimates for the Department of Justice. Overall, the department's estimates propose a decrease of just over $3.6 million or 2.9 per cent less than the 2016-2017 Main Estimates. These estimates continue to support the GNWT's objective of ensuring a strong and sustainable future for the government and its programs. Taking into consideration our limited growth in revenue, these estimates also reflect the need to closely manage our expenditures.

The 2017-2018 Main Estimates include an increase of just over $1.3 million from the business plan reviewed by standing committee in September. These increases are mainly due to new federal funding for victim services, as well as support to continue the Integrated Case Management Pilot project.

The 2017-2018 Main Estimates include reductions of just over $2.4 million, much of which results from the second year impact of reductions made in 2016-17. Other reductions were carefully considered to avoid or limit impacts on public services and staff. Sunsets of time-limited funding and other adjustments of just over $2.7 million make up the remainder of the budget decrease, which primarily results from the completion of the Inuvik RCMP Detachment.

Forced growth of just over $1.4 million is also identified for 2017-18. Increases for the RCMP account for just over $1 million of the forced growth total. This includes the creation of the Child Exploitation Unit, as well as funding for the Emergency Response Team and Protective Technical Services Unit.

The department's proposed spending in 2017-18 continues to support the priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly. Specific activities in support of these priorities include funding of $564,000 to continue the Integrated Case Management Pilot project. This project is part of the government's commitment to examine innovative ways to prevent and reduce crime. This funding increase will allow the department to take lessons learned and apply them to continued program delivery in Yellowknife, and facilitate an expansion to other communities in the future.

Participants in this project, often common clients of a number of departments, receive assistance in accessing services related to a variety of needs, such as housing, income support, mental health, substance abuse, unemployment, and legal issues. So far the results are promising; 147 clients have been referred to the project, but we will know more when the evaluation is completed this March.

In addition to the Integrated Case Management Pilot project, the Department of Justice is also making progress on a range of other mandate commitments. We are working on initiatives aimed at reducing crime and family violence, assisting families in crisis, improving access to justice, and improving access to information and privacy protections for our residents. That concludes my opening remarks. Thank you.