Question is being called. All those in favour? Those opposed? Motion is carried.

---Carried

Mr. Koe.

Policy Recommendations By The Council

Mahsi, Mr. Chairman. Mahsi, colleagues. The council also has a mandate to provide recommendations to the Minister on issues and policies associated with the arts and artists. But members of the council have difficulty meeting this part of their mandate, given that they only meet for about four days a year. The department should seriously consider the trade-off between spending a little more to allow the council to meet longer or more often, and the possible value of policy recommendations which may then be made by the council.

Council Membership

At present, the council has six members. However, it has been suggested that the council's membership be increased to seven: one member representing Yellowknife, three from the rest of the western Arctic, and three from the eastern Arctic. The standing committee agrees with the council and the Minister that this would provide improved regional representation on the council.

I have a recommendation, Mr. Chairman.

I move that this committee recommends that the Northwest Territories Arts Council policy be amended to provide for a total membership of seven on the Arts Council.

Your motion is in order, Mr. Koe. To the motion.

Question.

Question is being called. All those in favour? Those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Mr. Koe.

I have a final recommendation, Mr. Chairman. I move that this committee recommends that, in accordance with rule 93(5), the Executive Council table a comprehensive response to the recommendations contained in this report within 120 days of the presentation of this report in the House.

Your motion is in order, Mr. Koe. To the motion.

Question.

Question is being called. All those in favour? Those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Chairman. That concludes the report of the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions on the Northwest Territories Arts Council. I would like to thank the members of the present Arts Council, it's chairman, Sue Rose, and all the previous members of the Arts Council for the work that they've done over the years. I would like to thank all the artists throughout the north for their contribution to our economy, and for the work they've done for the north. I would also like to thank the department, the officials who have been supporting this council over the years, and the Minister and his staff for their support in preparing this review. Finally, I would like to thank the Members of the committee. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Koe. Do Members agree that we have today finished this item?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you, Mr. Koe. Next on the list given by Mr. Dent on your behalf, we go to Bill 8, An Act to Amend the Public Utilities Act.

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is Bill 8, An Act to Amend the Public Utilities Act. The intent of this legislation is the implementation of a levy to recover from rate applicants approximately 50 per cent of the costs of the operation of the PUB.

Prior to the introduction of this legislation, an analysis of the impact of this levy on ratepayers was undertaken. This analysis has shown that a 50 per cent cost recovery would on average cost each ratepayer 34 cents per billing, on a monthly consumption of 700 kilowatts, for a total of $4.08 per year.

Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Legislation proposed several amendments to the proposed act during their review that the government and my office has concurred with. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mahsi cho.

Thank you very much, Mr. Todd. On behalf of the Standing Committee on Legislation, Mr. Whitford, do you have a committee report for us? Mr. Whitford.

Standing Committee On Legislation Comments

Thank you very much, Mr. Whitford, for that report from the Standing Committee on Legislation. Mr. Todd, would you like to have the help of witnesses? Do Members agree that Mr. Todd can bring his witnesses in?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Mr. Sergeant-at-Arms, conduct the witnesses to the table, please.

For the record, Mr. Todd, perhaps you could introduce your witness for us.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On my immediate right is Mrs. Carol Whitehouse, who is the legislative counsel.

Thank you, and welcome. Do Members have any general comments, statements or questions about this bill? Mr. Dent.

General Comments