Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This bill would amend the Plebiscite Act to lower the voting age in territorial plebiscites from 19 to 18 years. It would also accord certain latitude to the chief plebiscite officer to take actions necessary to ensure the smooth operation of a plebiscite. The standing committee on legislation recognized that this bill was brought forward in response to a formal motion passed by the Legislative Assembly on December 13, 1991. This bill was reviewed at the standing committee's meeting on Thursday, February 27, 1992, as per the new legislative process passed earlier by this House. The review meeting was open to the public. The standing committee was grateful to the Government House Leader, Mr. Pollard, and his officials for attending the meeting and responding to questions and comments on the bill, and the standing committee also appreciated the attendance of the chief plebiscite officer of the Northwest Territories.

Members of the standing committee on legislation had no real difficulty with the content of this bill, Mr. Chairman. However, some honourable Members raised concern over the suitability of residency requirements in the Plebiscite Act. The standing committee urges the government to examine this issue with reference to section 25 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as a priority item. Not withstanding this concern, the standing committee voted to refer Bill 11 without amendment to the committee of the whole for consideration today. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.