Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. I am pleased to present the 2021-2022 Main Estimates for the Department of Finance. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of $15.2 million or 5.3 percent over the main estimates of 2020-2021. These estimates support the mandate objectives for the Department of Finance while continuing to meet the GNWT's fiscal objectives to prioritize responsible and strategic spending. Highlights of these proposed estimates include:
- $76.8 million in contribution funding to the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation; and
- $8.4 million to increase Carbon Tax Offset rebates provided to NWT residents and businesses to offset the impact of increasing the Carbon Tax to $40 per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions on July 1, 2021.
The department's 2021-2022 Main Estimates reflect the transfer of procurement shared services from the Department of Infrastructure to the Department of Finance. These estimates continue to support the priorities of the 19th Legislative Assembly by:
- ensuring government procurement maximizes benefits to residents and businesses by supporting the GNWT's ongoing procurement review;
- streamlining the financial processing for all GNWT departments and the NWT Health and Social Services authorities;
- supporting and managing the GNWT's information security and technology resources; and
- ensuring that GNWT departments have the support they need to manage their human and financial resources appropriately.
That concludes my opening remarks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.