Thank you, Madam Chairperson. I am very pleased today to give the opening comments on the Special Committee from Nunavut Legislation on the review of Bill 21, The Nunavut Statutes Amendment Act. Madam Chairperson, we would like to begin by thanking Mr. Arlooktoo for introducing the bill and for the leadership shown by Mr. Arlooktoo with the Nunavut Caucus over the past several months, especially the last couple of weeks, with the amount of legislation we have had to do.
Madam Chairperson, the bill amends the Dental Profession Act and the Medical Profession Act to enable the review offices, the registrars and the registration committees set up in the Northwest Territories to carry out responsibilities in Nunavut.
As well, amendments are made to the Psychologists Act to allow the Association of Psychologists of the Northwest Territories to perform functions in Nunavut.
Now Madam Chairperson, the amendments to the Legal Services Act will allow Nunavut to enter into agreements with the Northwest Territories so that the Legal Services Board may administer the act in Nunavut. The agreement will also set out how the assets and liabilities of the board will be divided on the termination of the agreement. I think that is important to note that, Madam Chairperson.
Finally, amendments to the Northwest Territories Teachers' Association Act, will establish the Federation of Nunavut Teachers as the representative body and collective bargaining agent for teachers in Nunavut. Madam Chairperson, the special committee was satisfied, and I should say very satisfied, with the amendments proposed in this bill. They are appropriate and to be made in preparation for division. This concludes the special committee's comments on Bill 21, Nunavut Statutes Amendment Act, No. 2.
I would like to thank you and the committee for their time and we would like to now move into the next phase of the review of Bill 21 here in committee of the whole. Thank you, Madam Chairperson.