Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to introduce a bill to amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act.

This act, Mr. Chairman, was developed in response to a Standing Committee on Finance recommendation that the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act be amended to give the Premier the authority to discipline and dismiss Ministers.

Currently, Mr. Chairman, the act stipulates that Ministers hold office at the pleasure of the Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Chairman, the amendment maintains the existing accountability to the House; however, it adds a provision whereby the Premier can recommend that the Commissioner revoke the appointment of a Minister should it become necessary to do so for disciplinary purposes.

The bill, as proposed, will accomplish what the standing committee has recommended. Mr. Chairman, if there are any questions, at the appropriate time I will endeavour to answer them. Thank you.