Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Gargan has asked if I would read this on behalf of the committee. The Aboriginal Custom Adoption Act was referred to the Standing Committee on Legislation on April 7, 1994. The committee began its deliberations May 16, 1994 and held public hearings in Fort Smith, Iqaluit and Yellowknife. The public was very interested in this piece of legislation and the committee received many oral presentations and submissions.

The committee would like to note at this time that Bill 2, Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act, is unique to the Northwest Territories. No other jurisdiction in Canada has attempted or currently has plans to implement legislation governing the recognition of aboriginal custom adoptions. As Members of the Assembly are aware, custom adoption is an accepted practice in the Northwest Territories.