Thanks. I do, Madam Chair. I am here to present the 2021-2022 Main Estimates for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of $789,000 or 0.8 percent over the Main Estimates 2020-2021. These estimates support the mandate objectives for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources while continuing to meet the GNWT's fiscal objective to prioritize responsible and strategic spending.

Highlights of the proposed estimates for the department include:

• New initiative funding of $2.711 million, which includes funding for sustainable livelihoods and funding to implement the NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework and action plan;
• Forced growth funding of $127,000 for increases in air tanker contract costs;
• An additional $58,000 to administer French language services; and,
• Sunsets of $1.802 million in funding for completed initiatives related to environmental assessment requirements for the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, the agriculture strategy, the pan-territorial vision for sustainable development of offshore oil and gas, and planned reduced federal funding for the nature fund agreement and conservation and recovery of the Bathurst and barren-ground caribou herds.

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

• Implementing the NWT climate change strategic framework and action plan to ensure our government makes informed decisions and shows leadership for transitioning away from fossil fuels and building resilience to the effects of climate change;
• Implementing ENR's sustainable livelihoods action plan, including supporting residents and Indigenous governments and organizations with new and modified harvester support programs to increase food security;
• Taking key actions to support the implementation of UNDRIP through the co-management of wildlife, waters and protected areas, and with land-based programming and to ensure Indigenous rights, culture, heritage, language, and traditional knowledge are at the heart of our program and service delivery;
• Building on our efforts to support regional decision-making by establishing management boards for territorial protected areas and working with our partners to develop regional forest management plans; and,
• Increasing employment in small communities through Territorial protected areas, waste reduction and diversion programs, forestry operations, and research and monitoring programs. These programs already support over 800 full-time, part-time and seasonal or casual jobs in small communities and there are opportunities for growth in the future.

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