Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I do. Mr. Chairman, colleagues, I wish to represent this legislation which implements the direction of the Legislative Assembly. On June 19, 2002, the Committee of the Whole adopted the recommendation of the Special Committee on the Implementation of Self-Government and the Sunset Clause that the Assembly enact electoral district boundaries commission legislation similar to that previously in force, but with such changes as may be desirable to maximize public involvement and to ensure the effective representation of all communities.

The proposed bill would provide for an electoral boundaries commission to be established by resolution of the Assembly within two years after the 2003 election and every second election after that. The bill is similar to the previous act, but includes the following changes:

• • A new provision clearly stating that the commission may undertake programs and measures to inform the public about the values and principles that underlie the determination of electoral boundaries and about the process that leads to that determination.
• • Addition of the following to the list of considerations to be taken into account by the commission in preparing its report: census data; information in the register of electors; community boundaries and boundaries established under lands, resources and self-government agreements; transportation; language and culture; public input; communications; and special circumstances relating to any existing electoral districts.
• • Several minor administration and technical changes.

Mr. Chairman, if required, and with assistance of the officials, I would be pleased to answer any questions on this bill.