Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Again, through you, Mr. Chairman, it would be nice if we could get copies of the Ministers' remarks for all the bills that we are going to be dealing with before we proceed line by line.

Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Legislation concluded its review of Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Maintenance Act, on December 13, 1994. In a 1991 Northwest Territories Supreme Court decision, the word "spouse" was interpreted to exclude common-law spouses. Bill 5 proposes to amend the Maintenance Act of the Northwest Territories to include a definition of "common-law spouse" therefore including common-law spouses in the eligibility to apply and receive maintenance support. There is a limitation period of two years on applications, as well as a provision to recognize exemption agreements.

The limitation period of two years, longer than in most jurisdictions in the country, was designed to allow for a sufficient period of time for those parties who will be dealing with many issues following the severing of a relationship.

The bill enshrines a legal obligation between partners in a relationship that has not been formalized. The Standing Committee on Legislation fully supports the intent of this bill. On December 13, 1994, the standing committee passed a motion that Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Maintenance Act, was ready for consideration in committee of the whole. Mahsi.