[Audio Unavailable] 2022-2023 Main Estimates for the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs. Overall, the department's estimates propose a decrease of $314,000, or 1.4 percent, over the 2021-2022 Main Estimates.

These estimates support the mandate objectives for the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs while continuing to meet the GNWT's fiscal objectives to prioritize responsible and strategic spending.

Highlights of these proposed estimates include:

• The sunset of $250,000 of funding appropriated for the hiring of external facilitators as well as staff travel costs to assist with the implementation of self-government, resource, and land claim agreements;
• A $554,000 reduction to the departmental travel budget as part of a GNWT-wide reduction to appropriations for travel in order to reflect the requirement for duty travel during the COVID-19 pandemic;
• An increased compensation and benefits funding of $499,000 to reflect the salary increases laid out in the new collective agreement with the Union of Northern Workers.

These estimates continue to support the priorities of the 19th Legislative Assembly and support the vision of budget 2022 by:

• Funding the GNWT's negotiation and implementation efforts with respect to the conclusion of self-government, resource, and land claim agreements with Indigenous governments; and
• Providing support to the departmental activities related to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

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