Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The improvement of economic conditions is one of the core priorities of this government. A key component of that goal includes establishing an appropriate regulatory environment which protects northerners while minimizing government "red tape" and eliminating unnecessary barriers to economic growth.

Today, along with my honourable colleague, the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, I am pleased to announce a new initiative that will improve the way this government carries out its regulatory responsibilities. A small, specialized Regulatory Reform Secretariat will be established to consult with stakeholder organizations, business people, local governments and concerned individuals to find ways in which our regulatory programs and services can be delivered better. The secretariat will use the feedback it receives during these consultations to find new efficiencies in program delivery and to eliminate outdated or unnecessary regulatory processes which are creating impediments to the growth of northern industry and business. The initiative will be a joint responsibility of the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, who will take the lead in responding to matters raised in the House regarding the work of the Regulatory Reform Secretariat.

Mr. Speaker, I want to emphasize that any reform of regulatory programs and services will be structured in such a manner as to ensure that the health, safety, workplace fairness and environmental quality of northerners are not adversely affected. At the same time, however, it has become increasingly clear that many of our current regulatory regimes have evolved in isolation from each other, sometimes to the point where they are unduly complicated and cumbersome. Often, there has been little or no adequate northern input on the adoption of codes and standards. Many stakeholders believe that too much of our regulatory policy and legislation is outdated, excessive and ineffective.

Over the course of the Regulatory Reform Initiative, we will identify measures for making sure that regulatory programs are consistent with the government's fiscal situation, with the current state of business and industry across the north, and with the emerging needs brought about by technological change or workplace trends. We will be examining alternative mechanisms for the delivery of inspections, licensing and other services and we will be finalizing the work initiated by the previous government on the reform of liquor control legislation and practices.

Of course, input and involvement of honourable Members will be vital to the success of this endeavour and we will work closely with the standing committees and MLAs throughout each stage of the Regulatory Reform Initiative.

-- Applause