Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, I would. I am pleased to present the 2019-2020 Main Estimates for Industry, Tourism and Investment. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of $2.9 million or 5 percent over the 2018-2019 Main Estimates.
The estimates include several funding increases to support departmental priorities.
An increase in funding for tourism marketing is proposed to help our highest potential renewable-resource industry continue its growth. Also included is additional funding for parks operations to support their role in this growth while providing high-quality facilities for our residents and visitors.
Funding to implement the Petroleum Resources Strategy, a key element to the Government of Northwest Territories' long-term vision and approach to energy and climate change, is also included in the budget as well as funding to continue the Northwest Territories geological survey's objective to better understand the geology of the Slave Geological Province.
An additional three positions, including operational costs, are included to support our work in developing the knowledge economy, effectively administering mineral tenure, and further supporting our film sector.
As we plan for the up-and-coming fiscal year, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment remains focused on the mandate priorities set out by the 18th Legislative Assembly and continues to work to fulfil our commitments.
One of these commitments is to release a Northwest Territories manufacturing strategy, which we are set to fulfil during this 18th Legislative Assembly.
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment will be investing in the implementation of its strategy to revitalize commercial fishing on Great Slave Lake.
We will be pursuing MOUs on economic development with Indigenous governments, supporting local food production, and training for commercial farmers.
We will continue to implement the Mineral Development Strategy, most notably through the planned introduction of the Mineral Resources Act and the development of supporting regulations.
In 2019-2020, ITI will also focus on:
- launching a web-based information portal and educational materials for the Resources and Energy Development Information initiative;
- installing renewable energy infrastructure in off-grid campgrounds;
- working with the Department of Lands to develop a land-use tenure approach that will support the agriculture sector; and
- advancing work towards the federal transfer of the proposed Doi T'oh Park.
Of the department's total proposed budget, 28.7 percent has been allocated to economic diversification and business support, 28.9 percent to tourism, and 27.6 percent is identified for spending in the areas of minerals and petroleum resources.
This concludes my opening remarks, and I welcome questions from the Members. Thank you, Mr. Chair.