Mr. Speaker, the sunset clause for electoral boundaries has imposed deadlines for this government. The committee recognized that Caucus has the lead but felt they could play a role in moving the process along. A Special Committee on the Implementation of Self-Government and the Sunset Clause was established during the Third Session of the 14th Legislative Assembly.
The special committee now has responsibility for recommending a course of action to the Legislative Assembly.
To Advocate for the Rights of the Public and Those Needing a Voice in Dealing With Government
Mr. Speaker, the absence of human rights legislation and the potential for litigation dictated that action be taken to advance: 1) human rights legislation, 2) an ombudsman-like office to speak on behalf of children, and 3) access to information and protection of privacy legislation.
- Human rights legislation: Committee advocated for the rights of the public by introducing Motion 15-14(2), Enactment of Human Rights Legislation that was adopted by the Legislative Assembly on March 31, 2000.
Cabinet has responded by undertaking consultation on a draft bill and has committed to introducing legislation in the fall of 2001.
- Children's advocate: Committee has not undertaken any significant action in relation to this objective. However, the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services has told Members in the Assembly that the government is moving toward establishing such an office. During a review of the Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 1, 2001-2002, in committee of the whole, June 11, 2001, Mrs. Groenewegen was asked if the government was moving towards instituting a child's advocate in the Northwest Territories. Mrs. Groenewegen replied, "Yes we are, and that is part of this funding allocations to do research and development of a proposal for a child advocate, so yes we are." (Hansard, June 11, 2001, page 147)
Mr. Speaker, the committee looks forward to hearing more on the government's proposal in this area.
- Access to information and protection of privacy legislation: Committee advocated for the rights of the public to a more open and transparent government by reviewing the Annual Report and Recommendations of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Commissioner, and presented the Report on the Review of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy' Commissioner's Report, 1999-2000, in the Legislative Assembly. This marks the first time that a standing committee reviewed the annual report and considered the commissioner's recommendations. In keeping with the committee's philosophy of openness and public involvement, meetings were open to the public. Committee Report 2-14(4) was read in the House on October 4, 2001. The government's response to the committee's report on recommendations is pending.
Mr. Speaker, future access to information and protection of privacy annual reports will automatically be referred to the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight.