Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Report on review of Bill 18 and Act to Amend Territorial Hospital Insurances Services Act, No. 2. Mr. Chairman, on behalf of the Standing Committee on Social Programs, I would like to report on our review of Bill 18, An Act to Amend the Territorial Hospital Insurance Services Act, No. 2.

This Bill provides the Legislative Assembly authority for the amalgamated Boards of Health and Social Services. On June 2, 1997, we held a public hearing on the Bill, with Minister Arlooktoo filling in for Minister Ng. No public stakeholders expressed concerns with the Bill. Members did express a concern to the Minister that under the amalgamated boards, there was still a need to maintain an equally strong roles of both health services and social services. There was an indication that this would be addressed through the core needs each board would have to provide.

The Standing Committee on Social Programs has completed its review and has no major concerns with the proposed Bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.