Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker,

WHEREAS Section 44 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act and the Rules provide for the establishment of Standing and Special Committees to aid and advise the Legislative Assembly as they consider necessary;

AND WHEREAS the committee system in any democratic structure is an essential process in holding the executive branch of government accountable;

AND WHEREAS the committee system is necessary to facilitate the business of the House in a timely manner;

AND WHEREAS the committee system has to take into account reporting relationships with the Executive Council;

AND WHEREAS the committee system must provide access by the public to its deliberations and reviews;

AND WHEREAS the committee system must be efficient and effective;

AND WHEREAS the current committee structure has a relatively long history in the Northwest Territories and continues to evolve;

AND WHEREAS it is important that the current committee system continue to ensure accountability of the actions of government and also be accountable for their actions;

AND WHEREAS the current committee system should be reviewed to ensure that it is meeting the needs of the Legislative Assembly;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, that the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures undertake a review of the operation and accountabilities of the committee structure and system;

AND FURTHER that the Standing Committee provide a report to the Legislative Assembly no later than June 30, 2003.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.