Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues,

WHEREAS the last comprehensive, independent review of Members' and Ministers' indemnities, expenses, allowances and benefits was conducted in 1996;

AND WHEREAS that commission recommended that the compensation package for Members be reviewed every five years;

AND WHEREAS it is important that independent, neutral and knowledgeable persons should carry out a review of Members' compensation;

AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly is of the opinion that it is timely to undertake a comprehensive, independent review;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that the Legislative Assembly hereby appoints Mr. Fred Carmichael and Mr. Robert Clark as the Commission on Members' Compensation;

AND FURTHER that the commission shall:

1. assess and review the additional indemnities, allowances, expenses and benefits provided to Members to determine the appropriateness of the amounts provided;
2. assess and review the reporting requirements and procedures for Members' expenditures to determine the level of accountability acceptable to the public;
3. review any other matter that the commission considers relevant, respecting the compensation being provided to Members;

AND FURTHERMORE, that the commission shall report with its observations and recommendations to the Speaker by October 1st, 2001 and the Speaker shall file the report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly without delay, if the Assembly is in session, and if the Assembly is not in session, as soon as reasonably practicable.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.