Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, I do. I am here to present the 2021-2022 main estimates for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. Overall, the department estimates proposed an increase of $4.9 million, 4.3 percent over the main estimates 2021. These estimates support the mandate objectives for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs while continuing to meet the Government of the Northwest Territories fiscal objectives to prioritize responsibilities and strategic spending.

Highlights of these proposed estimates include initiative funding increase of $3.3 million to increase the municipal funding for community governments. This funding will support both the capital and operations and maintenance funding needs of the community governments.

Forced growth increase of $1.4 million for grant-in-lieu, property taxes programs to support new government infrastructure in the communities of Fort Smith, Hay River, and Inuvik. Forced growth increase of $199,000 to support continued implementation of the Deline Got'ine self-government financing agreement. These estimates continue to support the priorities of the 19^th Legislative Assembly.

Taking action to reduce the municipal funding gap with the investment in this budget, our government has made strong advancement towards the goals of reducing the municipal funding gap by $5 million within the lifetime of this government.

Supporting the goals of Indigenous governments who have achieved self-government agreements by meeting our commitment under the Deline Got'ine Government financing agreement. Providing communities new opportunities to raise additional revenues by advancing a process for the transfer of lands within the municipal boundaries or to those communities who wish to take greater control of land management.

The department's main estimates reflect progress on MACA's key mandate objectives. I look forward to the discussion during the detailed review. That concludes my opening remarks. Mahsi.