Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am here to present the 2021-2022 Main Estimates for the Department of Health and Social Services. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of $74.8 million or 14.3 percent over the 2020-2021 Main Estimates. These estimates support the mandate objectives for the department while continuing to meet the Government of the Northwest Territories' fiscal objectives to prioritize responsible and strategic spending.
Highlights of these proposed estimates include:
- $34.6 million for the COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat;
- $13.1 million for initiatives, which include resources to increase front-line capacity in Child and Family Services, resources to continue with the establishment of the NWT school and community child and youth care counsellors in our communities, and resources to expand Healthy Family programming;
- $10.7 million to address forced growth;
- $9.2 million for projects in partnership with federal agencies such as Indigenous Services Canada, including the Northern Wellness Agreement and the First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care agreement; and,
- $8.5 million to fund 24/7 operational staffing costs in Health and Social Services programming, forced growth at Avens, and the expansion of the dialysis unit in Hay River.
The department is also planning for a $558,000 decrease due to sunsetting agreements with funding partners.
These estimates continue to support priorities of the 19th Legislative Assembly by:
- increasing supports for meeting health and wellness needs and priorities of Indigenous people;
- supports to increase mental health services to youth in schools and communities throughout the NWT;
- increased supports for mental wellness and addictions recovery; and
- improving early childhood development indicators through expansion of the Healthy Family Program to support expecting parents and parents with young children.
That concludes my opening remarks. Thank you, Mr. Chair.