Yes, I do, Mr. Chair. I am here to present the 2021-2022 Main Estimates for the Department of Lands. Overall, the department's estimates propose a decrease of $939,000, or 4 percent, over the Main Estimates 2020-2021. These estimates support the mandate objectives for the Department of Lands while continuing to meet the Government of the Northwest Territories fiscal objectives to prioritize responsible and strategic spending.

Highlights of these proposed estimates include:

• a sunset of $976,000 for the Addressing Equity Lease Initiative;
• a sunset of $453,000 for base funding received at devolution for the compensation and benefits shortfall for transferring federal employees and one Director of Land Administration position which has been double funded since devolution;
• a sunset of $75,000 for the Agricultural Strategy Implementation Initiative;
• additional funds of $309,000 to support implementation of the Unauthorized and Potential Rights-Based Occupancy Initiatives; and
• $253,000 in additional funding to support and staff the Wek'eezhii Land Use Planning Office.

These estimates continue to support the priorities of the 19^th Legislative Assembly by:

• continuing efforts to develop new regulations to bring the Public Land Act into force;
• continuing progress on the equity lease initiative, which includes transferring equity leases into fee simple title in all regions of the Northwest Territories;
• addressing the long-standing issue of unauthorized occupancy and identifying potential 'rights-based' cabins;
• working with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs to create a process guide for transferring land within municipal boundaries to community governments, and the Departments of Industry, Tourism and Investment; Environment and Natural Resources; and Health and Social Services to support the development of the food industry; and
• continuing to work with the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs negotiators and external planning partners to advance land use planning in areas that do not currently have plans in place, including Wek'eezhii, Deh Cho, and the southeast NWT.

That concludes my opening remarks. Thank you, Mr. Chair.