Thank you, Madam Chairperson. The Standing Committee on Government Operations reviewed Bill 20, Division Measures Act, No. 2, at its meeting on December 7, 1998. The committee would like to thank the Honourable John Todd and his officials for presenting the bill and responding to issues raised by the committee. Bill 20 would amend five acts to carry out preparations for division. Amendments to the Labour Standards Act, the Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act, and the Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgements Acts will allow Nunavut to make arrangements with other provinces, territories and countries, including the Northwest Territories, so that one jurisdiction may enforce orders made in another jurisdiction.

As well, amendments are made to the Psychologists Act and the Legal Services Act that correspond with amendments made to the Nunavut version of those acts under Bill 21, the Nunavut Statutes Amendment Act, No. 2. Together, the two bills will allow the Association of Psychologists of the Northwest Territories to carry out responsibilities in both territories. The two bills will also allow agreements to be made between the two territories so that the Legal Services Board may administer the Legal Services Act in Nunavut after division. The agreement will also set out how the assets and liabilities of the board will be divided on termination of the agreement. As well, under this bill, the Minister is given the power to appoint such additional members of the Legal Services Board as he or she considers necessary. Madam Chairperson, members of the standing committee were generally satisfied with the amendments proposed in the bill. This concludes the standing committee's comments on Bill 20, The Division Measures Act, No. 2. Thank you, Madam Chairperson.