Does the committee agree that Bill 3 is amended for third reading, as amended? Sorry, I am ahead of myself, as usual. Clause 67.

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you. I didn't see that. There were many pages before clause 67. Clause 68.

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you. It wasn't my fault, thank you.

---Laughter

Bill as a whole.

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you. Does the committee agree that Bill 3 is amended for third reading, as amended?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you. Bill 3 is now ready for third reading, as amended.

---Applause

I would like to thank the Minister and the witnesses for appearing before the committee.

We'll take a few minutes break before we deal with the next item, okay? Thank you.

---SHORT RECESS

We will now be dealing with Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act. I believe Mr. Pollard is the appropriate Minister to speak to this matter. Mr. Pollard.

Minister's Introductory Remarks

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, Bill 15 is an amendment to the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act. The amendment before you implements in legislation, a decision made by the Legislative Assembly, with the adoption of Motion 12-12(5) on February 18th of this year, which dealt with the use of the term "Premier."

Mr. Chairman, to implement this decision of the Legislative Assembly requires amendments to the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Department of Justice Act and the Public Service Act. Mr. Chairman, the bill before you amendments these acts and I will be pleased to answer any questions that you or the committee may have. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. I would now like to recognize Mr. Allooloo on behalf of the Standing Committee on Legislation. Mr. Allooloo.

Standing Committee On Legislation Comments

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Legislation has completed its review of Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act. As the Members are aware, this bill is in response to the adoption of Motion 12-12(5) in the Legislative Assembly on February 18, 1994, which supported the use of the term "Premier" to refer to the Government Leader. Bill 15 amends the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, as well as the Department of Justice Act and the Public Service Act to establish the designation of Premier.

During its review, the committee noted that the use of the term "Premier" will not always be possible when aboriginal Members of the Legislative Assembly address the House in their own aboriginal language, as there is no word for "Premier" in most of the official languages. This is not seen as a problem, however, because as we embrace our cultural differences, we must continue to recognize them.

The committee is pleased to support a bill which reflects this government's maturity and continuing evolution to the point where our leaders are recognized nationally and internationally and speak with an equal voice on matters that concern northerners.

Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Legislation fully supports this bill. On October 24, 1994, the committee passed a motion that Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act was ready for consideration in committee of the whole. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you. I now open the floor for general comments on Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act. Mr. Pollard, are you prepared to receive questions on this matter?

I am sorry, Mr. Chairman. Pardon?

Are you prepared to receive questions on this bill?

Yes, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Ballantyne.

General Comments

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I fully support this bill. It is just a little bit of symbolism of the fact that the Legislative Assembly and Northwest Territories government has really come of age. I think that our government is recognized across the country as a sophisticated government that deals with one of the most complex and difficult jurisdictions in the country. The jobs of our Ministers are equally as onerous and equally as difficult, as that of Ministers anywhere else in the country.

Many times in the Northwest Territories, we are too hard on ourselves. In order for other jurisdictions to respect us, we have to start respecting ourselves more than we have in the past. This government and Assembly have done very good work. Our Premier is recognized across the country as a major leader and it is very important that we take this step. This not only recognizes the Premier, it recognizes our government as what it really is in 1994; a very important government in our country. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ballantyne. General comments. Clause by clause? Agreed?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Clause By Clause

Thank you. Clause 1 of Bill 15. Agreed?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Clause 2.