Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act contains provisions defining what are conflicts of interest, placing a number of obligations on members with respect to arranging their personal affairs in such a manner so as to resolve conflicts in the public interest and requiring members to make public disclosure of their assets and liabilities; AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides for the appointment of a Conflict of Interest Commissioner to advise members on their obligations under the Act, to investigate complaints alleging a breach of the Act, to conduct inquiries and make recommendations to the Legislature, and to report to the Legislature on an annual basis on the activities of the Commissioner during the preceding year;

AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act authorizes the Management and Services Board to appoint an Acting Conflict of Interest Commissioner when the office is vacant and the Assembly is not sitting;

AND WHEREAS the Management and Services Board, pursuant to their authority to make acting appointments, appointed Anne Crawford to the position of Acting Conflict of Interest Commissioner on August 1, 1996;

AND WHEREAS it is desirable that a permanent appointment be recommended by the Legislative Assembly.

NOW THEREFORE, I MOVE, Seconded by the Honourable Member for Nunakput that pursuant to section 79.(1) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, that this Legislative Assembly recommends to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories that Ms. Anne Crawford be appointed as Conflict of Interest Commissioner.