I am here to present the 2023-2024 Main Estimates for the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs. Overall, the 2023-2024 Main Estimates continue to support the priorities of the 19th Legislative Assembly and vision of Budget 2023, by:
• Funding the GNWT's negotiation and implementation efforts with respect to the conclusion of self-government, resource and land claims agreements with Indigenous governments; and,
• Providing support for the departmental activities related to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Department's main estimates propose a one percent decrease from the 2022-2023 Main Estimates. This is based on a $120,000 reduction to the overall contract services budget to better reflect actual expenditures that the department has incurred year over year as there have historically been surplus amounts in this budget category. These main estimates support the mandate objectives for the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs while continuing to meet the government's fiscal objectives to prioritize responsible and strategic spending. That concludes my opening statements. Thank you, Madam Chair.