Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The standing committee on legislation reviewed Bill 20 at its public meeting on May 25, 1992. This bill would amend the Nursing Profession Act to change some elements of the process through which nurses In the Northwest Territories are issued temporary certificates of exemption. The certificates allow qualified nurses who are registered in other jurisdictions to practise nursing while they are in the process of becoming registered in the Northwest Territories.
Bill 20 would also amend the Nursing Profession Act by removing the requirement that the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories must approve the nurses association's by-laws.
The standing committee was assisted in its review of this bill by the Minister of Health, the honourable Nellie Cournoyea, and her officials.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee spent some time exploring the levels of legal authority that should be given to self-regulating professions. Members were concerned that there should be sufficient accountability of professions to the public. There is always room for concern when you talk about a professional association monitoring and disciplining itself, and this is something about which the committee felt the government should remain aware. Generally, the standing committee found the proposed amendments appropriate and passed a motion on May 25 to report that this bill is ready for consideration by committee of the whole. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.