I do, and I don't stand up; right? I do. Thank you. I am pleased to present the 2020-2021 Main Estimates for the Department of Infrastructure. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of $11.6 million, or 4.4 percent, over the 2019-2020 Main Estimates. These estimates support our fiscal objectives to prioritize responsible and strategic spending while matching the modest expected revenue growth over the coming year.
Highlights of these proposed estimates include:
- forced growth increases of $7.7 million, which primarily consists of $2 million for utility costs at the new Stanton Territorial Hospital and $4.5 million for UNW collective bargaining increases;
- $3.9 million for a new lease and operations and maintenance costs associated with the long-term care facility in Yellowknife;
- increases of $2.8 million, which includes $2.4 million in funding associated with the Low Carbon Economy Leadership funding agreement with the Government of Canada and $390,000 for a permafrost data management and analytical system for the Dempster and Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highways;
- a transfer of $873,000 to the Department of Finance for assets transferred as part of the formation of the Information Systems Shared Services; and
- sunsets of $142,000 for reduced operating costs for ferry services on the Dempster Highway, as the recent engine replacements on the Louis Cardinal ferry have resulted in fuel savings; and a sunset of $236,000 for reduced environmental monitoring requirements on the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway.
These estimates continue to support the priorities of the 19th Legislative Assembly by promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.
To fulfill the goals outlined in the 2030 Energy Strategy, we will provide continued financial support to the Arctic Energy Alliance and introduce larger-scale grants for communities, commercial buildings, and industry that target reduced greenhouse gas emissions. As such, the Department of Infrastructure will provide $2.74 million in core funding to the Arctic Energy Alliance, as well as an additional $797,000 for community energy grants and $2.27 million for Northwest Territories-wide energy programs supplemented through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund. This brings the total Arctic Energy Alliance contributions to $5.8 million.
This concludes my opening remarks. Thank you, Madam Chair.