Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As you know our comprehensive report has already been read into the record but we do have and are pleased to offer the following comments on Bill 1, Human Rights Act.

Bill 1 is a step forward for human rights protection in the Northwest Territories because it creates a comprehensive legislative scheme to address discrimination in everyday areas of life.

Bill 1 has been the subject of extensive consultation by both the Department of Justice and our standing committee. The Standing Committee on Social Programs held public hearings in Inuvik, Fort Smith and Yellowknife. Our goal in the review process was to consider Bill 1 in comparison to other human rights legislation in other jurisdictions in Canada and to hear the comments and suggestions of members of the public.

The committee received a number of detailed submissions from many members of our communities, particularly those representing significant segments of our population. During the course of public hearings the committee heard a number of recommendations on how Bill 1 could be improved.

The Standing Committee on Social Programs carefully considered each of the recommendations made to us and as a result, Mr. Chairman, have made a number of changes to the Human Rights Act.

During our clause-by-clause review of the legislation, the committee passed a number of motions to amend Bill 1 which were discussed in detail in Committee Report 10-14(5).

Mr. Chairman, our report also noted several other recommendations that have not yet been incorporated into Bill 1. Accordingly, we have a number of motions to put forward before the honourable Members of the Legislative Assembly today as we proceed through the bill clause-by-clause.

These motions will reflect our attempt to address concerns of the public while making changes that we believe best promote the objectives of the act. We look forward to a constructive debate on these issues. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.