Thank you, Madam Chair. The Standing Committee on Social Programs conducted its review of Bill 9, the Youth Justice Statutes Amendment Act on March 10, 2003. The committee would like to thank the Minister and his staff for presenting the bill.
The bill makes a number of technical amendments to the Young Offenders Act and several other acts to avoid legal or procedural issues which might arise when the new federal Youth Criminal Justice Act comes into force on April 1, 2003. For example, the bill deletes references to terms that are authorized under the federal Young Offenders Act, which will not exist after April 1st. As well, references to the Young Offenders Act (Canada) are replaced with references to the new Young Criminal Justice Act (Canada).
Following the committee's review, a motion was carried to report Bill 9, Youth Justice Statutes Amendment Act, to the Assembly as ready for Committee of the Whole. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you, Madam Chair.