The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development is pleased to report on its review of Bills 9 and 10, the Commercial Vehicle Trip Permit Act and the Public Highway Improvement Fund Act, respectively. Collectively, they are also referred to as the proposed Highway Investment Strategy. This report was prepared by members of the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development. The committee is comprised of myself as chair, Sandy Lee as deputy chair, Bill Braden, Paul Delorey, David Krutko and Steven Nitah.

On June 13, 2001, Bill 9 was introduced by the Honourable Vince Steen, the Minister of Transportation; and Bill 10 was introduced by the Finance Minister, the Honourable Joe Handley. Both bills received second reading on June 14, 2001 and were referred to the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development on the same day.

Under the rules of the Legislative Assembly, the standing committee has 120 days to review and report on bills. The committee met frequently to discuss and review research material and legal issues surrounding the bills. The committee, which is not part of Cabinet, conducted public hearings on Bill 9, the proposed Commercial Vehicle Trip Permit Act, and Bill 10, the proposed Public Highway Improvement Fund Act, in the following communities:

(a) in Inuvik on August 27 and 28, 2001;

(b) Fort Simpson on September 13 and 14, 2001;

(c) Fort Smith on October 10 and 11, 2001;

(d) Hay River on October 11 and 12, 2001;

(e) Norman Wells on October 15 and 16, 2001;

(f) and in Yellowknife on October 17 and 18, 2001.

Prior to the public hearings, the committee placed advertisements in newspapers in the Northwest Territories to inform the public of the committee's review, to invite oral presentations and written submissions, and to advise that applications for travel assistance would be considered by the committee. Public service announcements were also aired on northern radio stations and notices placed on community television channels. Media advisories were sent informing the press where the hearings would be held. In addition, the committee provided information packages and offered assistance to over 200 identified interested parties to appear before the committee.

The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development would like to thank all the individuals and organizations that presented their views and concerns at the public hearings or by written submissions. The comments and suggestions were of great assistance and were carefully reviewed by the committee during its deliberations.

Appendix 1 and appendix 2 of this report list the numerous concerns and options presented by witnesses who appeared or sent written submissions to the committee, organized by community.