Yes, thank you, I do. I am pleased to present the 2019-2020 Main Estimates for the Department of Justice. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of just over $3 million, or 2.4 percent, over the 2018-2019 Main Estimates.
Highlights of the proposed estimates include:
- $1.389 million in forced-growth funding to provide the RCMP with increased capacity to cover the costs of officer participation in new and existing training initiatives and related administrative costs;
- $179,000 in forced-growth funding to enable the Legal Aid Commission to add a new full-time criminal defence lawyer position in response to rising workloads in this area;
- $171,000 to cover a 1 percent wage increase for non-unionized employees;
- $308,000 in federal funding to support investments related to the legalization of cannabis in the Northwest Territories;
- $269,000 to increase the department's capacity to support GNWT departments in responding to access and privacy matters in a more consistent and efficient manner; and
- $124,000 to support the establishment of a manager position within the Legal Aid Commission to address operational pressures.
These estimates continue to support the priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly by:
- implementing improvements to corrections programming, including the development of enhanced culturally appropriate programming and working with our community partners to support inmates with their reintegration back into their communities;
- supporting the RCMP and communities to strengthen partnerships;
- implementing innovative ways to prevent and reduce crime; and
- supporting initiatives and partnerships to prevent and reduce family violence.
That concludes my opening remarks. Thank you.