Thank you. Mr. Chairman, the standing committee on legislation reviewed Bill 8 at its meeting on Thursday, February 27, 1992. Members of the standing committee appreciated the attendance of the Hon. John Pollard, his officials and the chief plebiscite officer, Mr. Hamilton, who introduced the bills and responded to any of the questions and comments that were raised by the standing committee Members.

Mr. Chairman, this bill is very straightforward. It would amend the Elections Act to lower the age at which a resident of the Northwest Territories can vote in a territorial election. Presently, the voting age is 19 years and this bill would change it to 18 years of age. Upon review, the standing committee on legislation voted to refer this bill without amendment to the committee of the whole for consideration today.

Mr. Chairman, I wish to note here that a concern was raised during the standing committee review which pertains to each of the bills which reduce the voting age. Honourable Members will be aware of the fact that less than a month ago a decision in the federal Court of Appeal drew attention to the constitutionality of legislative provisions which prohibit inmates from voting. Our Local Authorities Elections Act and Plebiscite Act all contain similar prohibitions. Particularly, given the impending date of the boundary plebiscite, Members of the standing committee on legislation were concerned about the implications of a Charter challenge related to the rights of inmates to vote. Such a challenge would affect all voters in the plebiscite, including people 18 years old, with which this bill is dealing. The standing committee wished to urge the government to complete its review of this matter at the earliest opportunity. Mr. Chairman, that concludes our introductory remarks with regard to Bill 8.