The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Tabling of documents. Item 15, notices of motion. Member for Kam Lake.

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that, on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, that this Legislative Assembly calls on the Government of the Northwest Territories to prioritize the review of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation as part of the government renewal initiative; and further, that the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation update its mission statement and policies to reflect its role in social wellness; and furthermore, that Northwest Territories Housing Corporation must include referrals to appropriate government programs prior to beginning the eviction process; and furthermore, that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a comprehensive response to this motion within 120 days. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Notices of motion. Item 16, motions. Item 17, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Member for Nunakput.

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that, on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, I will move that Bill 23, An Act to Amend the Public Utilities Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 18, first reading of bills. Item 19, second reading of bills. Item 20, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters: Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Public Highways Act; Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Apprenticeship, Trades and Occupational Certification Act; Bill 13, An Act to Amend the Interpretation Act; Bill 14, An Act to Amend the Securities Act; Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act; Committee Report 8-19(2), Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures Report on Motion 5-19(2), Referral of Point of Privilege Raised by Member for Monfwi on March 10, 2020; Committee Report 9-19(2), Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures Report on the Chief Electoral Officer's Report on the Administration of the 2019 Territorial General Election; Committee Report 10-19(2), Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment Report on Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Public Highways Act; Minister's Statement 77-19(2), National Housing Co-Investment Fund; Tabled Document 165-19(2), Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 1-19(2), Report on Long-Term Post-Pandemic Recovery, Recommendations to the GNWT; Tabled Document 166-19(2) Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 2-19(2), Report on Long-Term Post-Pandemic Recovery, Recommendations to the GNWT; Tabled Document 167-19(2), Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 3-19(2), Report on Long-Term Post-Pandemic Recovery, Recommendations to the GNWT; Tabled Document 286-19(2) Main Estimates 2021-2022, with the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes in the chair.

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Madam Chair. Committee would like to consider Tabled Document 286-19(2), Main Estimates 2021-2022, with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Thanks, Madam Chair.

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you. Does committee agree?

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, committee. We will take a short recess and resume with the first item.

---SHORT RECESS

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Committee, we have agreed to consider Tabled Document 286-19(2), Main Estimates 2021-2022, in the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Does the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment have any opening remarks?

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South

Yes, Madam Chair. I am here to present the 2021-2022 Main Estimates for the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of $404,000 or 0.7 percent over the main estimates of 2020-2021. These estimates support the mandate objectives for ITI while continuing to meet the GNWT's fiscal objectives to prioritize responsible and strategic spending.

Highlights of these proposed estimates include:

• Initiative funding totalling $2.296 million, which includes:

- $936,000 to continue our support of tourism under Tourism 2025 towards the five-year investment strategy for the tourism sector;

- $400,000 to maintain funding for our Mining Incentive Program to stimulate prospecting and exploration and increase resource exploration and development in our territory;

- $360,000 to support the development of regulations for the Mineral Resources Act and to advance work on the mineral administration and registry system;

- $350,000 to invest in the creation of an action plan to develop the NWT's knowledge economy and establish regional economic development plans; and

- $250,000 to support an ITI position to coordinate and ensure continued development of the fish sector and support the Tu Cho Fishers' Cooperative, a key partner in our ongoing work to revitalize the commercial fishery on Great Slave Lake.

• Forced growth funding of $134,000 to support two regional tourism and parks positions;
• Other adjustments of $283,000, with $225,000 for the continued implementation of the Northwest Territories petroleum resources strategy; and $58,000 to support the department's continued provision of communications and services in French; and
• Sunsets of $2.067 million.

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

• supporting mandate priorities such as reviews of procurement practices within the GNWT;
• the competitiveness of the Northwest Territories royalty regime;
• socio-economic agreements; and
• the Northern Food Development Program.

That concludes my opening remarks, Madam Chair. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.

The Chair Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Do you wish to bring any witnesses into the House?

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South

Yes, please, Madam Chair.