Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I am here to present Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2018-2019. This document provides for an increase of $16.7 million to the 2018-2019 operating budget.
The major items included in these supplementary estimates are:
- $4.5 million for increased costs related to the Income Assistance Program;
- $3.3 million for costs associated with operationalizing the new Stanton Territorial Hospital;
- $2 million for insured hospital services provided to individuals who are not residents of the Northwest Territories. These expenditures will be fully offset by recoveries from other jurisdictions;
- $1.4 million for repairs required to the runway at the Inuvik Airport;
- $1.1 million for Grant-in-Lieu of Property Taxes Program payments to municipal taxation authorities as per the Grants-in-Lieu of Property Taxes Policy;
- $1 million to support the combined day shelter and sobering program in Yellowknife;
- $745,000 for demolition and site cleanup resulting from the October 2, 2018 fire that destroyed the Rockhill Apartments;
- $705,000 to support the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project. This expenditure will be fully offset by revenue from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada;
- $646,000 for increased payments required for the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority Pension Plan; and
- $501,000 for supplementary health programs for a projected budget shortfall for Extended Health Benefits and Metis Health Benefits.
That concludes my opening remarks, Mr. Chair. I would be happy to answer questions that the Members might have. Thank you, Mr. Chair.