Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Social Programs met on Monday, March 5, 2001 to review Bill 21, An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act. The amendment changes provisions of the Northwest Territories Labour Standards Act so its territorial residents can access the maximum amount of time off available under the federal employment insurance maternity benefits. In short, it makes territorial legislation compatible with federal legislation. Similar amendments have been passed in the majority of other Canadian jurisdictions to accomplish the same thing. Members of the committee had no concerns with the intent of the bill. Committee Members did have concerns with timing and transition issues on the implementation of the bill. The committee recommended that employees who planned to extend or recommence their leave to take advantage of the longer benefits and leave periods be required to give employers four weeks instead of three weeks notice of their intent.

In addition, committee members were concerned that the requirement to give such notice within two weeks of the act coming into force did not allow for sufficient time for the department to notify the general public of the changes to the leave provisions and recommended that this be increased to four weeks. The committee was pleased that the Minister agreed with the Members and that he will be introducing amendments to address our concerns. Individual members of the committee may have questions or comments for the Minister as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.