Mr. Speaker, later today, on behalf of the Minister responsible for Justice, I will table a proposed Human Rights Act for the Northwest Territories. Tabling of this draft bill is the latest stage in our consultation with the public. As you no doubt remember, earlier in the fall we released a discussion paper on the proposed act. I am pleased to report that response by concerned groups to this discussion paper has been positive so far.
We are taking a somewhat unusual step in tabling this draft instead of introducing it in the House for first reading, that is because we want the public to review this draft and give us their opinions. This draft will be included in the consultation package that we are preparing now.
The Department of Justice has two goals: to create legislation that meets the needs and expectations of northern people, and to meet national requirements such as rulings by the Supreme Court of Canada. During the rest of this month and into December, the Department of Justice will be preparing further consultation materials that deal with the various interests and concerns people have raised with us so far. The departments staff will also conduct further research into some of the issues associated with this type of legislation.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation will replace the Fair Practices Act, which has been our human rights law since 1966. The Fair Practices Act is a good law, but over the years human rights legislation has advanced and we have not kept up. Our aim is to build on the best qualities of the Fair Practices Act to create
a law that satisfies people's wishes and meets national requirements.
Once the draft Human Rights Act is tabled, it becomes a public document. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues here and the public to consider this draft and take part in the consultation process, that way, we will create a law that meets our needs and stands the test of time. Mahsi.