Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to present the 2022-2023 Main Estimates for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Overall, the department estimates propose an increase of $849,000 over the 2021-2022 Main Estimates. These estimates support the mandate objectives for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources while continuing to meet the GNWT's fiscal objectives to prioritize responsible and strategic spending.
Highlights of these proposed estimates include:
- Increases for collective agreement of 1.42 -- or 35 million and for the Bathurst and Bluenose-East Caribou of $1.03 million offsetted by reductions of 850 for the Barren-land caribou calving survey for a total of 180,000;
- New initiative funding of $260,000 for the hunters and trappers disasters compensation program; forced growth of $251,000 for increases in air tanker contract and insurance costs;
- Sunsets of 968,000 in funding for complete initiatives related to the agriculture strategy, Inuvik to Tuk Highway environmental assessment biologies requirements and obligations, a climate change information management position, and activities under the Nature Fund agreements with Environment and Climate Change Canada; and
- A reduction in funding for travel of $495,000.
Through sound fiscal management and strategic investment, we continue to support this Assembly's mandate commitment by:
- Implementing the 2019-2023 Climate Change Action Plan, including estimating the NWT Climate Change Council and ensuring climate change factors are integrated into government decision-making;
- Supporting initiatives that promote economic diversification and jobs in the communities through territorial protected areas implementation, supporting a sustainable forestry industry, and expanding waste diversion programs;
- Supporting the GNWT's work to improve food security through country food, land-based programming, and effective management of harvest species and their habitat; and.
- Contributing to GNWT-wide efforts to implement UNDRIP; and support regional decision-making through the established co-management system for water, wildlife, forestry, and through ENR's work on sustainable livelihoods.
This concludes my opening remarks, Mr. Chair.