Thank you. I am here to present the 2020-2021 Main Estimates for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. Overall, the department's main estimates propose an increase of $6,074,000 or 5.5 percent over the 2019-2020 Main Estimates. These estimates support the fiscal objectives and priorities and responsibilities and strategic spending while matching the modest expected revenue growth over the coming year. Highlights of these proposed estimates include:
- an increase of $5,186,000 to provide funding to tax-based communities in accordance with the grant-in-lieu policy;
- an increase of $960,000 to reflect the impact of costs associated with implementation of the 2016-2017 to 2020-2021 collective agreement with the Union of Northern Workers; and
- an increase of $158,000 to provide relief from property tax to seniors and people with disabilities.
These estimates support the priorities of the 19th Legislative Assembly. Specifically, the department will advance the following actions:
- Provide resources and support to community governments. The department will continue to support community governments with community planning; legislation and policy; financial agreements; infrastructure management; and climate change and disaster mitigation funding.
- Support the development of an implementation plan for municipal Access to Information and Protection of Privacy. The department remains committed to working with the Department of Justice, community governments, and stakeholders to identify a responsibility and achievable approach for the implementation of Bill 29: An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Privacy of Protection Act with respect to bringing community governments under this legislation in a phased-in approach.
That concludes my opening remarks. I look forward to the detailed discussion with Members. Thank you, Minister.