Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight met on Monday, October 28, 2002 to review Bill 23, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act. As the Minister has noted this act makes minor amendments to a number of statutes.
Committee members asked for clarification of the intent of clause 11 which amends the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation Act and the Minister's staff advised that this clause is intended to make the act consistent so that it is clear that the president of the Housing Corporation is a member of the public service.
Committee members also asked for the intent of clarification in clause 14 which amends the Young Offenders Act. The Minister's staff advised that this amendment will make the act consistent with the federal Young Offenders Act and will allow the Minister to continue to make appointments to youth justice committees in terms that are in keeping with the wishes of communities.
During review of the bill with the Minister the committee and the Minister agreed to an amendment to the bill. This amendment will amend the Marriage Act to allow the fees for marriage licenses to be set in regulations rather than in the act itself.
Mr. Chairman, individual committee members may have questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.