Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With regard to An Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act, this bill will provide the Financial Management Board with the authority to approve forgiveness of debts that are valued at $1000 or less. The act currently requires that all forgivenesses be approved by the Legislative Assembly. The Social Assistance Act allows the Minister of Social Services to forgive overpayments of social assistance up to $500.

This amendment is being proposed to improve the efficiency of government administration. The current legislation results in excessive administrative procedures and approvals by the government and the Legislative Assembly to deal with relatively minor dollar values. The amendment will also consequentially amend the Social Assistance Act so as to retain all authority for forgiveness within the Financial Administration Act. The Financial Management Board will delegate authority to the Minister of Social Services in order to maintain the current responsibility.

Chairman.

Thank you, Mr.