Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, Bill 7 is an Act to Amend the Locksmiths, Security Guards and Other Security Occupations Act. The act itself, Mr. Chairman, was passed in 1991, but proclamation of the act did not take place pending development of regulations. During the drafting of the regulations a few housekeeping changes were identified was well as the deficiency in the licensing process. It is our intention to proclaim the Locksmiths, Security Guards and Other Security Occupations Act together with the proposed amendment, if passed, and appropriate regulations, simultaneously to effect on or about April 1, 1993, Mr. Chairman.

In addition to some minor housekeeping changes this amendment will provide that security other than a bond may be provided by an applicant for licensing as a security business to the registrar of security occupations. It also adds powers to make regulations respecting those other securities.

The other significant amendment in this bill will allow investigations into convictions against the person applying for a license but only when that person authorizes such investigation or inquiry. The investigation will be in the form of requiring the applicant to be fingerprinted and the registrar of security occupations may use the fingerprints in or for the investigation.

Applicants for a security business licence or a security employee license who do not authorize such an investigation are not entitled to be issued a license. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.