Lastly, I have a Return to Oral Question asked by Mr. Kelvin Ng on December 6, regarding change of name procedures.

On Monday, Mr. Ng brought up the matter of the difficulties involved in changing one's name. I'd like to thank him for raising this matter in the House. There was an excellent suggestion made that the procedure be simplified so people would no longer have to go to the expense of having to hire a lawyer to apply to court for an order to have their name changed.

The consumer and corporate affairs division of the Department of Safety and Public Services is just completing a study which documents the history of the collection of vital statistics in the Northwest Territories, and outlines many of the problems which Mr. Ng refers to in his statement. The proposal made by Mr. Ng is consistent with the study which would suggest that the Change of Name Act be amended to remove the process from the court system and permit applications for change of name to be directed to vital statistics as is done in many provinces.

I will be consulting with my Cabinet colleague responsible for the Department of Safety and Public Services. Our two departments will work closely together to conduct the necessary consultation on this matter, with a view of putting forward proposed changes in the new year. Thank you.