Yes, I do, Madam Chair. Thank you, Madam Chair. I am pleased to present the 2020-2021 Main Estimates for the Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Assembly is seeking an operations expenditures appropriation of $22,720,000 for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. This is an increase of $277,000, or a 1.23 percent increase, in funding from the 2019-2020 Main Estimates.
This budget represents the important work we will undertake during the upcoming fiscal year. The proposed funding will be used to advance strategic initiatives and address forced-growth matters. These are:
- additional staff resources for our statutory offices to meet increasing demands;
- additional funding for the Office of the Clerk for staff resources and communication initiatives; and
- to address Members' compensation and allowances based on the consumer price index.
The Legislative Assembly remains committed to supporting the good work of our statutory offices. With new legislation coming into force and better public awareness, our statutory offices are experiencing increasing and more complex caseloads. The Legislative Assembly is keenly aware of the importance of these offices having the resources needed to meet these demands.
Due to recent amendments to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner will be required to take on additional responsibilities and oversight obligation. It will change from a body with recommendation-making power only to an adjudicative role with authority to issue binding orders where the act applies. The increase in compensation to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner reflects these increased responsibilities.
The Ombud Act was passed during the 18th Assembly after more than two decades of calls by Northerners for the creation of a parliamentary Ombud office. On November 18, 2019, the NWT Office of the Ombud officially opened in Hay River. Setting up this office outside of Yellowknife sends a strong signal that this office is for the whole territory and further helps and promotes decentralization. The office consists of a team of three: the Ombud, an intake officer, and an early resolution officer.
Madam Chair, the Special Committee on Transition Matters in the 18th Assembly recommended that additional resources be provided to support the important work of our committees, specifically noting the need for an additional committee clerk, legislative research advisor, and communication support. The Office of the Clerk operations expenditures has been increased to account for these three new positions.
In closing, I want to thank all Members, my colleagues from the Board of Management, and the Assembly staff for their contributions and efforts in working towards these main estimates. Thank you, Madam Chair. This concludes my opening remarks, and I look forward to answering any questions that Members may have. Thank you.
