Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, an efficient, effective regulatory environment is one of the key ingredients in a strong economy. Many northern stakeholders have commented that some of our current regulatory practices result in increased program costs, put unnecessary burdens on business and create barriers to development.

A small, specialized Secretariat was established in March, 1997, with a mandate to reform outdated or cumbersome regulatory processes which are creating impediments to the growth of northern industry and business.

Today, along with my honourable colleague, the Minister of Finance, I am pleased to advise Members that later today I will be giving notice of motion for first reading of the Regulatory Reform Measures Act. This omnibus bill seeks to amend 16 regulatory acts and to repeal three others. It includes reforms that will make a start toward building a regulatory framework that will continue to protect northerners effectively, while streamlining government procedures and eliminating unnecessary red tape.

Proposed reforms would, for instance, remove roadblocks that have existed in some property acquisitions by eliminating unnecessary requirements for the Commissioner's approval. Matters coming before the Public Utilities Board could, in many cases, be dealt with faster, and with less cost, through negotiated settlement procedures that would be clearly established in legislation. Clearer and fairer appeal processes would be established in several of the statutes that would be amended by the Regulatory Reform Measures Act, and outdated licensing requirements for motion picture theatres would be eliminated. Rules and procedures that must be followed by door-to-door salespersons would be clarified and harmonized with the rest of Canada.

The Regulatory Reform Measures Act also proposes a new voluntary compliance mechanism that would substantially strengthen environmental protection practices by allowing a company or property owner to undertake their own environmental audit or environmental site assessment.

During consultations, the Regulatory Reform Secretariat heard that some northern youth and others have trouble doing business or writing cheques because it is difficult to obtain personal identification. Frequently, businesses that sell liquor or cigarettes have commented that establishing proof of age can be one of their biggest problems. The Regulatory Reform Measures Act contains amendments that would allow for a general identification card to be issued through existing motor vehicles licensing offices.

Mr. Speaker, I want to emphasize that the reforms we are bringing forward in this bill are structured in such a manner as to ensure that the health, safety and environmental quality of northerners are not adversely affected. In fact, by addressing areas where regulatory requirements have become ineffective, cumbersome or excessive, we are actually strengthening our regulatory capacity.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would stress that the Regulatory Reform Measures Act, is only one of several initiatives underway in the Secretariat. Work is proceeding on the reform of regulations and policy in several program areas. A major interdepartmental review of the regulatory framework for child daycare is being coordinated and the Secretariat is collaborating with the Department of Transportation to improve regulatory requirements that impact the trucking industry. Work has already begun on a second Regulatory Reform Measures Act, which is on the legislative agenda for possible introduction in the fall of 1998. It is anticipated that this second bill would include several of the suggestions that honourable Members have made with regard to needed amendments to other regulatory acts. Thank you.

--Applause