Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS section 44 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act states that the "Legislative Assembly may establish such standing and special committees to aid and advise it as it considers necessary";

AND WHEREAS the Standing and Special Committees of the Legislative Assembly are set out in Rules of the Legislative Assembly;

AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly has chosen to make revisions to the Standing Committees;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for North Slave, that the Rules of the Legislative Assembly be amended by rescinding Rule 85 and substituting the following:

85 (1) At its first setting after a general election, the Assembly shall appoint a Striking Committee of three Members to report and recommend, with all convenient speed, Members to comprise the following Standing Committees of the Assembly:

On Accountability and Oversight;

On Governance and Economic Development;

On Rules and Procedures;

On Social Programs;

And any other standing and special committees as directed by the Assembly.

(2) The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight shall:

(a) Review issues that have government wide implications;

(b) Conduct the overview of the budget and fiscal framework;

(c) Consider the budgets and financial management of the Northwest Territories Workers' Compensation Board and the Northwest Territories Power Corporation and any other boards or agencies that are outside the responsibility of any standing committee including the Office of the Legislative Assembly;

(d) Examine reports on the annual financial statements and public accounts of the Government of the Northwest Territories and Report of the Auditor General;

(e) Review government reports on financial and performance results and program and policy evaluations to ensure anticipated outcomes are being achieved and accountability is maximized;

(f) Coordinate House business, scheduling and planning in cooperation with the appropriate Cabinet representatives;

(g) Consider any other matter referred by the House.

(3) The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development shall consider the following matters with respect to the Department of the Executive, including the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and Financial Management Board Secretariat and the Departments of Finance, Public Works and Services, Municipal and Community Affairs, Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development and Transportation:

(a) Review legislative and policy proposals, multi year business plans and budgets, bills and boards and agencies, including the Status of Women Council and the Northwest Territories Development Corporation, the Business Credit Corporation and the Public Utilities Board;

(b) Review departmental performance, including that of boards and agencies; and

(c) Consider any other matter referred by the House.

(4) The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures shall inquire into such matters as may be referred to it by the Legislative Assembly, the Speaker or the Board of Management.

(5) The Standing Committee on Social Programs shall consider the following matter with respect to the Departments of Health and Social Services, Education, Culture and Employment, Justice and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation:

(a) Review legislative and policy proposals, multi year business plans and budgets, bills, boards and agencies including programs for seniors and youth;

(b) Review departmental performance including that of boards and agencies; and

(c) Consider any other matter referred by the House.

AND FURTHER that Rule 86 be amended by striking out "Management and Services Board in accordance with section 35(1)" after "shall appoint a", and substituting "Board of Management in accordance with section 36".

AND FURTHERMORE, that Rule 87(1) be amended by striking out "five" after "not more than" and substituting "six"; by striking out "Government Operations" after "Standing Committee on" and substituting "Accountability and Oversight" and by striking out "seven" after "shall consist of" and substituting "eleven".

AND FURTHERMORE, that Rule 87(2) be amended by striking out "Government Operations" after "Standing Committee on" and substituting "Accountability and Oversight."

AND FURTHERMORE, that Rule 89 be amended by striking out "Management and Services Board" after "Committees and the" and substituting "Board of Management". Thank you.