Thanks, Madam Chair. I am here to present the 2023-2024 Main Estimates for Department of Infrastructure. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of $16.4 million or 5.6 percent over the 2022-2023 Main Estimates. 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 increases of $1.8 million, that include $821,000 for increased costs to winter and all-season road operations, $364,000 for mobile equipment fuel, $208,000 for regional airport contract services, and $381,000 for DIIMS software licenses, maintenance, and support;
- New initiatives of $1.9 million include funding for the updated energy action plan, and electric vehicle charging stations funded through the Zero Emissions Vehicles Infrastructure Plan;
- The estimates also include total sunsets of $1.3 million that is primarily associated with the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, which is currently in the process of being renewed;
- Amortization estimates increased by $4.1 million to reflect new assets coming into service; and,
- Finally, a budget increase of $10.4 million due to a required change of accounting treatment for costs related to agreements previously classified as projects on behalf of third parties to comply with the Auditor General and accounting standards.
Notably, these estimates also include the inter-department transfer of $14 million from the Department of Finance to support annual service payments for the Tlicho Highway. This change is not reflected in the proposed increase, as prior year amounts have been restated for comparability.
These estimates support the priorities of the 19th Assembly and the vision of Budget 2023 by:
- Continuing the work in expanding the reach of energy conservation and efficiency initiatives guided by the 2030 Energy Strategy, continued core and supplementary program funding to the Arctic Energy Alliance, and the release of the most recent energy action plan with new rebates and grants;
- Ensuring government procurement and contracting maximizes benefits to residents and businesses, through collaborative work with other GNWT departments in reviewing procurement policies and practices and exercising procurement processes that align best with the interest of NWT businesses and residents;
- Continuing to increase regional decision-making and authority through ongoing engagement with our Indigenous partners; and,
- Maintaining our annual investment of $1.5 million of financial contributions to communities through the Community Access Program to improve local transportation infrastructure for access roads, winter roads, ice roads, marine facilities, and trails.
That concludes my opening remarks. Thank you, Madam Chair.