Yes, I do, Madam Chair.
I am pleased to present the 2022-2023 Main Estimates for the Department of Lands. Overall, the department's estimates a proposed increase of $490,000, or 2 percent, over the 2021-2022 Main Estimates. These estimates support the mandate objectives for the Department of Lands while continuing to meet the GNWT's fiscal objective to prioritize responsible and strategic spending.
Highlights of these proposed estimates include:
- Initiative funding of $328,000, which includes
- $304,000 to fund two term legislative advisory positions to continue the work of the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act regulatory improvement and engagement which is offset by a sunset of $288,000 for this initiative; and
- $24,000 in additional funding to support the implementation of Unauthorized Occupancy Initiative.
- Other adjustments of $399,000 comprise of $504,000 to reflect collective bargaining increases offset by the reduction of 105 to the travel budget;.
- An adjustment to increase amortization by $57,000.
- Further, in support of decentralization, a new training in occupational health and safety manager position is planned to be established in Norman Wells and will be funded from within the department's current appropriation.
These estimates continue to support the priorities of the 19th Legislative Assembly and supports the vision of Budget 2022 by:
- Reducing the municipal funding gap by working with communities through the process guide for transferring public land to communities;
- Continuing to address the long-standing issues of unauthorized occupancy throughout all the regions of the Northwest Territories;
- Enhancing protection of the environment and confidence in the regulatory system through review of the Project Assessment Policy;
- Continuing to work with the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs to review the Land Lease-Only Policy;
- Implementing customer service standards to increase the transparency and accountability of lands management in the territories;
- Continuing significant efforts to bring the Public Land Act into force by developing regulations and correspondent program readiness in implementing activities; and
- Working to advance land use planning activities in areas that do not currently have plans in place, including Wekeezhii, Deh Cho, and the South Eastern NWT.
That concludes my opening remarks, Madam Chair.