Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, Mr. Chair, briefly. I am here to present Tabled Document 279-20(1), Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 2, 2024-2025. This document proposes a total appropriation increase of $74.725 million comprised of the following items:
- $16.9 million to provide funding to address the Marine Transportation Services projected deficit for 2024-2025;
- $14.7 million to support the increase in road construction and maintenance costs, community support for fuel resupply, and utilities and lease costs;
- $14.5 million to support health care operations in the NWT; and,
- $12 million to provide funding to reduce the impact of costs associated with the NTPC proposed rate increases.
- Additionally, we are proposing the following supplementary expenditures, which are supported by federally funded agreements, including:
- $5.4 million to provide funding for various health and social services cost share agreements;
- 2.3 million to provide funding for the Canada-Northwest Territories National School Food Program Agreement 2024 to 2027;
- $1.5 million to provide funding for the section 11 conservation agreement with Environment and Climate Change Canada; and,
- $1 million to provide funding in support of the Northwest Territories Wraparound Service Agreement.
These supplementary estimates also propose an adjustment of $50 million to the authorized short-term borrowing limit established under the Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2024-2025.
These supplementary estimates will ensure the Government of the Northwest Territories is in compliance with the Financial Management Act by reflecting the borrowing limit for debt less than 365 days for the 2024-2025 fiscal year at $750 million. The request is the result of increased fiscal pressures, including unforeseen expenditures, as a result of low-water and other climate change impacts, as well as continued operational pressures within the health care systems.
That concludes my opening remarks. I would be happy to answer questions that Members may have, Mr. Chair. Thank you.