Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Standing Committee on Government Operations is pleased to report on its review of Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act. Bill 15 was introduced for first reading in the Legislative Assembly on March 23, 1999, by the Honourable Jim Antoine, Premier. The bill received second reading on March 24, 1999, and was automatically referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations for review. Under the rules of the Legislative Assembly, the standing committee had 120 days to review and report on the bill. The standing committee met on several occasions to discuss background research material and legal opinions commissioned by the committee. As well, the committee conducted public hearings on Bill 15 in Inuvik, Rae, Yellowknife, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith and Hay River, from June 14 to July 7, 1999, beginning with the presentation of the bill by the Premier in Yellowknife. Committee Members also met with the Chiefs and Council of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation on June 25, 1999, and attended the Dene National Assembly in Jean Marie River on July 8, 1999.

Prior to the hearings, the committee placed advertisements in every newspaper in the Northwest Territories informing the public of the committee's review, inviting oral presentations and written submissions and advising that applications for travel assistance would be considered by the committee. Public service announcements were also aired on CBC Radio, and notices were placed on the community television channels, where available. Media advisories were sent detailing the communities where hearings would be held. The committee also provided packages with boundary maps and other explanatory material about Bill 15 and an offer of assistance to appear before the committee to over 70 identified interested parties.

This committee report was prepared by those Members of the Standing Committee on Government Operations who participated in the public hearing process: Roy Erasmus, chair, David Krutko, Don Morin and James Rabesca. Members of the committee who participated support the views of the public that are expressed throughout the report. Jane Groenewegen, Seamus Henry and Jake Ootes did not participate in the public review of Bill 15 or the preparation of this report.

The Standing Committee on Government Operations would like to thank all of the individuals and organizations who made their views known to the committee at the public hearings or by written submissions. The comments and suggestions made were thoughtful and creative and were considered carefully by the committee during its deliberations.

Appendix 1 contains a list of witnesses who appeared before the committee. Copies of the written submissions received are attached as appendix 2.

Mr. Speaker, I will now turn the next portion of the report to my colleague, Mr. Rabesca.