Yes, I do, and someone took them off my desk so I'll just find my set here.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm here to present the 20 -- that's not off to a good start, I apologize. We're here until 8.
I'm here today to present the 2022-2023 Main Estimates for the Department of Infrastructure. Overall, the department's estimates propose a consistent budget of the 2021-2022 Main Estimates of $278.8 million. These estimates support the mandate objectives for the Department of Infrastructure while continuing to meet the GNWT's fiscal objectives to prioritize responsible and strategic spending.
Highlights of these proposed estimates include:
- Forced growth increase of $2.3 million. This includes $1.1 million in leases, $370,000 in community airport contracts, $478,000 in winter salt, and two new positions: $163,000 for occupational health and safety in South Slave region, and $135,000 for the new highway transportation officer for North Slave, including the new Tlicho Highway.
- Also included are sunsets of $7.9 million. This amount consists of a $7.6 million cash flow adjustment for the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, $175,000 of lease associated with the Stanton physiotherapy space, and $165,000 for the department climate change specialist position that is related to the 2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework.
- Other adjustments include a net increase of $6.5 million, which includes a $4.7 million adjustment to the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, when netted against the related sunset, which is a $2.9 million dollar decrease in 2022-2023 to adjust funds into later years. It also includes a $1.8 million for collective agreement increases, and a reduction of funding for travel of $304,000.
These estimates continue to support the priorities of the 19th Assembly and support the vision of the Budget 2020 by investing in and modernizing strategic and NWT airport infrastructure, which connects our communities, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability, all while continuing to prioritize and responsible spending.
- The department will work towards our goals outlined in the 2030 Energy Strategy and will again provide $2.74 million in core funding to the Arctic Energy Alliance.
- The NWT-wide energy programs, include those that are delivered by Arctic Energy continue to be supplemented through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, which was extended for an additional two years, to March of 2024.
- The Yellowknife Airport Revolving Fund has withstood recent challenges and continues to support the development of a 20-year master plan to guide short, medium, and long-term planning in support of economic growth and sustainability.
- The department will also maintain its annual investment of $1.5 million of financial contributions to communities through the community access program. This helps support improvements to local transportation infrastructure such as access and winter roads, marine facilities, trails, while providing communities with direct employment, skill development opportunities, and economic and capacity-building benefits.
That concludes my opening remarks, Mr. Speaker.