Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm pleased to present the 2019-2020 Main Estimates for the Department of Health and Social Services. The total proposed budget for the department is $495,934,000. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of $34.4 million, or about 7 percent over the 2018-2019 Main Estimates.
Highlights of the proposed estimates include:
- Forced growth of $3.98 million;
- Funding for initiatives totalling $7.87 million; and
- Sunsets and other adjustments of $16.5 million, which includes operationalization of the new Stanton Hospital.
These estimates continue to support the priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly. Specific support of these priorities includes:
- $3.28 million to increase capacity in Child and Family Services;
- $863,000 for the public awareness and education campaigns in response to cannabis legalization, and another $234,000 to monitor and act on health impacts of cannabis legalization;
- $400,000 to increase support to Indigenous governments in proving land-based mobile addictions treatment;
- $352,000 to improve the chemotherapy program at Stanton Territorial Hospital;
- $373,000 to expand the Midwifery Program;
- $972,000 increase to combine the Yellowknife day shelter and sobering centre in one location, with improved programming;
- $500,000 to support family violence shelters; and
- $2 million to continue with the establishment of school and community child and youth care counsellors this year in the Beaufort Delta and Sahtu regions.
Mr. Chair, that does conclude my opening comments, and I'm happy to answer any questions that committee may have.