Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to present the 2019-2020 Main Estimates for the Department of Infrastructure. The proposed estimates of $264 million reflect an increase of $25.1 million, or 10.5 percent, over the 2018-2019 Main Estimates.

These estimates continue to support the priorities of the 18^th Legislative Assembly. Highlights include forced-growth adjustments for utility and maintenance costs of new facilities, increased maintenance and dust control for the Dempster Highway, and increased funding to upgrade and maintain the ferries on the Mackenzie, Liard, and Peel Rivers. These estimates also include lease costs of $600,000 transferred to Infrastructure from other departments.

Also identified in these estimates is the creation of the new Strategic Infrastructure Division. This new division will contribute to achieving the Northwest Territories' mandate commitment of securing funding for large transformative infrastructure projects. This new division will lead coordination and planning for new federal infrastructure funding while working closely with other Government of the Northwest Territories departments and stakeholders during the process.

In the coming year, this division will focus on advancing the Mackenzie Valley Highway projects through the shared investment of $140 million under the National Trade Corridors Fund. These projects will include construction of the Great Bear River Bridge and the Wrigley to Mount Gaudet Access Road. Focus will also be directed towards seeking opportunities for funding and planning next steps to advance the development of the Slave Geological Province Corridor. Finally, the Strategic Infrastructure Division will continue work to advance the Government of the Northwest Territories' priority to improve public infrastructure in the Northwest Territories. This will be done through an integrated bilateral agreement signed with Infrastructure Canada worth $761 million over 10 years.

The department's Energy Division will also be fully engaged with our federal partners and other stakeholders to secure funding to advance the Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion. This division will focus on overseeing $7.8 million in new funding under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund and managing $44.3 million in energy projects for 2019-2020 under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan.

The 2019-2020 estimates continue to support Infrastructure's mandate commitments related to energy efficiency and sustainability. Specific initiatives include increasing the use of renewable and alternative energy in off-grid communities, continued engagement with the federal government to access funding for major renewable energy initiatives, and implementing the 2030 Energy Strategy to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

This includes providing continued financial support to the Arctic Energy Alliance and introducing larger-scale grants for communities, commercial buildings, and industry that target reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Towards this, Infrastructure will provide $2.74 million in core funding to the Arctic Energy Alliance, as well as an additional $550,000 for community energy grants and $1.95 million for Northwest Territories-wide energy programs supplemented through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, bringing the total Arctic Energy Alliance contributions to $5.24 million.

The 2019-2020 estimates also include continued investment in the Deferred Maintenance Program by upgrading and preserving government assets, such as offices, schools, and health centres. The Deferred Maintenance Program helps the Government of the Northwest Territories to better target its capital dollars in support of its priorities by maintaining and extending the useful life of our existing asset base.

That concludes my opening remarks. I would be happy to answer any questions from Members. Thank you, Mr. Chair.