Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to present the 2018-2019 Main Estimates for the Department of Justice. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of $2.7 million or 2.2 per cent over the 2017-2018 Main Estimates.
In our mandate, our government defines commitments to support the RCMP. We recognize the integral part they play to keep our families safe, including the reduction of violence in family homes and supporting community priorities. We will continue to work collaboratively with the RCMP to find innovative ways to address operational and financial pressures in providing police services throughout our territory. This continues to be a priority of the department.
On this front, these estimates include just over $2.1 million in increases to support the Territorial Police Services Agreement. This includes $304,000 of initiatives funding to establish a Historical Case Unit to focus on unsolved murdered and missing person cases, and $289,000 in forced growth to add two RCMP officers for the Hay River detachment to meet public safety requirements and the needs of the communities they serve. An additional $1.744 million in forced growth for the RCMP will support compensation increases; the vehicle management program; the accommodation program charge, which is funding for maintaining buildings and living quarters and replacing detachments; and funding for national programs rate increases.
In addition, these estimates include $224,000 of initiatives funding, along with a $213,000 transfer from the RCMP to support the sheriff's office, which will be assuming the responsibility for prisoner security in the courthouse in Yellowknife. This initiative will establish four new sheriff's officer positions and alleviate pressures on RCMP resources.
Other highlights of the proposed estimates include reductions of $584,000, $478,000 of which result from restructuring the court reporter program, and a $616,000 increase arising from federal funding for the Access to Justice Services and the Indigenous Justice programs.
These estimates continue to support the priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly and will support the department in making progress on a range of initiatives such as continuing to implement innovative ways to prevent and reduce crime; bringing forward a bill to replace the Corrections Act that will strengthen the requirement for culturally appropriate programming and foster an environment that responds to offenders' needs for rehabilitation; and working with GNWT departments to ensure that the necessary policy, program, and legislative regimes are in place to support the legalization of cannabis in the Northwest Territories.
That concludes my opening remarks. I welcome questions from Members. Thank you.