Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge the presence of Ms. Margot Engley in the Gallery, who has helped us tremendously. She is one of the legal counsel with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and I would like to acknowledge their support and thank you.
Bill 15, Nunavut Statutes Amendment Act
Madam Chairperson, I am pleased to be here today to introduce the Nunavut Statutes Amendment Act. I would like to state again my appreciation to the Interim Commissioner and NTI for their cooperative efforts with respect to this bill.
The Nunavut Statutes Amendment Act is a combination of a comprehensive review of NWT legislation that was begun in 1996 when GNWT departments were asked to examine the division-related consequences of the acts they administered when they are duplicated in Nunavut. The legislative issues identified in this initiative and the resulting drafted amendments were provided to officials of the Interim Commissioner and NTI for consideration. This bill is a result of these consultations. It includes the amendments that will ensure an orderly transition for the new government of Nunavut. It is important to stress the amendments contained in this bill are technical in nature and in essence this bill provides statutory solutions to the consequences of division.