Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to present the 2018-2019 Main Estimates for the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of $1.5 million or 7.8 per cent over the 2017-2018 Main Estimates. EIA's proposed increase is almost entirely related to strategic initiatives, which include the following:
• $595,000 in additional resources aimed at the finalization of lands, resources, and self-government agreements;
• $250,000 in additional funding to the Northwest Territories/Nunavut Council of Friendship Centres to build capacity and strengthen program delivery;
• $387,000 in additional intergovernmental relations capacity and support out of the Government of Northwest Territories Ottawa office;
• $100,000 in funding to assist the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation implement their Strategic Direction Action Plan related to the Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway No. 10;
• $101,000 in funding to host the Western Premiers Conference later this spring;
• $84,000 to assist in the delivery of campaign schools to further encourage women's participation in politics; and
• $50,000 in funding to the Arctic Inspiration prize.
These estimates continue to support the priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly by continuing to successfully conclude agreements with Indigenous governments for lands, resources, and self-government. There are currently 14 sets of negotiations at various stages, and these negotiations will continue to be a priority for this government as this budget ensures additional resources are dedicated to the furtherance and conclusion of these agreements.
In addition, Canada is setting significant new policy direction in many areas that directly and indirectly affect the lives and future prospects of the Northwest Territories and its people. The new Deputy Secretary of Intergovernmental Relations located in the Ottawa office will help ensure the Government of Northwest Territories' interests and perspectives are understood and considered by Canada in decisions regarding the environment, infrastructure, investments in our economy, and Indigenous rights, including any changes contemplated to the fiscal arrangements between Canada and Indigenous governments.
Finally, these main estimates continue to increase regional capacity by building partnerships with Northern friendship centres, encouraging women to participate in politics, and sponsoring innovation for the benefit of all Arctic communities, including the investment in socioeconomic opportunities related to the Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway No. 10. Thank you. This concludes my opening remarks.