I am pleased to present the 2018-2019 Main Estimates for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of $482,000 from the 2017-2018 Main Estimates, which is a .45 per cent increase.

These estimates continue to support the Government of the Northwest Territories' objective of ensuring a strong and sustainable future for the government and its programs by managing expenditures due to limited revenue growth.

The 2018-2019 Main Estimates reflect:

• a decrease of $1.5 million which was the final contribution provided to Host Society for the 2018 Arctic Winter Games;

• an increase of $944,000 to support the need for increased grants in lieu of property taxes payments to community governments, as well as an increase for the seniors and disabled persons property tax relief program; and

• an increase of $1,300,000 for community governments to support their operational needs and the delivery of water and sewer services.

The department's proposed spending in 2018-2019 continues to support the priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly.

Under the Community Wellness and Safety priority, Municipal and Community Affairs has refined its implementation plan for a territorial 911 service, and our investment in this budget will result in this service coming online by the summer of 2019.

Through an increase in funding for community governments, we are continuing to invest in a strategy to close the gap in funding levels to municipal core needs. This funding advances the governance priority by helping to build a stronger relationship with community governments. In support of the cost of living priority area, we will continue to support community governments as they apply for and take advantage of the suite of federal infrastructure funding programs available to them. That concludes my opening remarks. Thank you.