Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in May of 1983 the Government of the Northwest Territories issued a paper titled "Design for Devolution," to promote public discussion on proposed new local government legislation to replace the municipal ordinance.
In 1987, after broad public consultation and the drafting of new legislation, this Legislative Assembly gave consideration to a number of community government bills, including the:
- Settlements Act;
- Hamlets Act;
- Charter Communities Act;
- Cities, Towns and Villages Act;
- Local Authorities Elections Act; and,
- Property Assessment and Taxation Act.
Royal Assent was given these new acts in late 1987 and the legislation came into force January 1, 1988.
This new legislation has served well both this government and all levels of community government for over seven years, Mr. Speaker. Three charter communities now exist and others are actively considering this level of incorporation, which attests to the success of the Charter Communities Act. This act addresses the circumstances of municipal authorities governing in a cooperative association with local band councils in accordance with a community-developed charter.
As with any municipal legislation, Mr. Speaker, changes are necessary to keep it current with new developing circumstances. Since our government's municipal legislation was first introduced, a number of amendments have been presented and approved by this Assembly. The need for legislative amendments has accelerated in recent years. Concerns have been raised by individual municipal councils, senior administrative officers and the Northwest Territories Association of Municipalities. The department has also identified a number of needed changes to conclusively address issues affecting community governments.
Mr. Speaker, the observations and concerns raised by the users of our legislation are a clear indication of the need to carry out a broad legislative review of all necessary changes.
I am, therefore, pleased to announce that a review committee will be appointed to undertake a review of necessary amendments to the:
- Cities, Towns and Villages Act;
- Hamlets Act;
- Charter Communities Act;
- Settlements Act;
- Local Authorities Elections Act; and,
- Property Assessment and Taxation Act.
The review committee will consist of representatives from:
- the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs;
- the Department of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs;
- the Northwest Territories Association of Municipalities; and,
- the Association of Municipal Administrators of the Northwest Territories.
The associations will be asked to submit names from their respective membership for appointment to the review committee. Mr. Speaker, the committee will have a balance of those who monitor and maintain the legislation and those who would be most affected by any changes.
The focus of the review will be to identify those areas of the legislation which currently cause the most concern to users, consider the options for change and make recommendations. The committee will recommend wording changes to eliminate or reduce interpretive difficulties and consider options to allow community governments greater flexibility in decision-making.
As well, Mr. Speaker, the review committee will be directed to consider the benefits of separate acts or the amalgamation into a single government act of the:
- Cities, Towns and Villages Act;
- Hamlets Act;
- Charter Communities Act; and,
- Settlements Act.
The review committee, in making its recommendation will take into consideration the historical significance behind the establishment of the legislation as it exists today.
The review committee, in addition to meeting as a working group, will be expected to seek the input of municipal councils and receive and consider written submissions. Every effort will be made to hear or receive comment from concerned councils, individuals, groups and associations.
The review committee terms of reference are being prepared and I expect that the committee will hold its first meeting in late June or early July. It is anticipated that the review committee will submit their recommendations to the Minister by the end of 1995, allowing new or amended legislation to be submitted to this House for consideration in 1996.
Mr. Speaker, the establishment of the review committee clearly demonstrates the continued commitment of this government to the development of government at the community level. Thank you.
---Applause