Yes, I do. Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair. I am here to present the Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2023-2024.
The operations supplementary estimates propose a total increase of $103.952 million of which $21.6 million will be offset by revenues from the Government of Canada and $48.4 million is offset by appropriations lapsed in 2022-2023.
The operations supplementary estimates propose the following expenditures:
- $48.4 million to continue to undertake flood recovery activities across the NWT;
- $15.2 million in subsidies to address electrical rate pressures for NWT residents;
- $8.7 million for Technology Service Centre costs incurred by departments and in support of cyber-security enhancements for the GNWT;
- $4.8 million for key activities identified by Members to finalize the 2023-2024 Main Estimates;
- $2.2 million to support operations at the new Hay River Fish Plant;
- $1.5 million for enhancements and extensions to the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program;
- $762,000 for obstetrical services at the Stanton Territorial Hospital; and,
- $653,000 for adult in-territory supported living services.
Additionally, I am proposing the following supplementary expenditures, which are supported by federally funded agreements, including:
- $10.8 million to support environment and climate change, including agreements to monitor various NWT species, to undertake discussions to support protected areas across the NWT, and to support wildfire and forest management in the NWT;
- $2.8 million to continue work on the Aurora College transformation;
- $2 million in support of activities for the Department of Justice, including drug-impaired driving, the Indigenous justice program, the drug treatment court program, and increased funding for legal aid;
- $1.6 million for advancing hydropower work in the Northwest Territories via the Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program;
- $394,000 for the bilateral agreement on sport participation; and,
- $309,000 in support of Women in Leadership and made-in-the-North campaign schools.
This concludes my opening remarks, and I would be happy to answer any questions the Members may have.