Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I have just a few short comments. The House has already had the benefit of our report, so I am not going to propose that we reread it. I would just like to say that our committee is pleased to report Bill 21, Protection Against Family Violence Act. This legislation can help victims of domestic violence in the majority of communities in the Northwest Territories. It provides more tools to the RCMP and to the court system to help victims of violence and their children deal with the aftermath of a dangerous situation.

Public hearings took place in September in communities of Fort Smith, Hay River, Wha Ti and Yellowknife with the majority of presenters favouring the legislation. Amendments were made in committee that strengthened the definitions of what constituted family violence in the areas of forced confinement and sexual abuse. An amendment was also made in committee to clarify that the Supreme Court could dismiss provisions of an emergency protection order that could not be supported by evidence or judicial fairness.

The Standing Committee on Social programs would like to thank the Minister and the Department of Justice for their hard work in getting this bill to this stage. The Members of the standing committee have several concerns relating to the implementation of the act and to include provisions to allow for the temporary custody of children in emergency protection orders. These and other concerns, Members of the Standing Committee on Social Programs may have will be brought out as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I would also like to just reiterate our thanks to the Department of Justice, to all the officials and to the Minister. It was critical in getting the bill to the House in the short timeframe we had and our staff were able to work with the Minister's staff and once again these folks have done a good job in making sure we get good legislation before us in a timely manner. I would like to thank them. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.