Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

The Chair recognizes Mr. Nitah.

Thank you, Mr. Nitah. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

The Chair recognizes Mr. Nitah.

Thank you, Mr. Nitah. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Thank you. Does the committee agree that Committee Report 9-14(6) is now concluded?

Thank you. What is the wish of the committee? We have on the agenda Bill 4, An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Act. Is the committee ready for this item?

Minister Steen, do you wish to make an opening comment?

Minister's Opening Comments

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have opening comments. Madam Chair, I am pleased today to introduce an amendment to the Consumer Protection Act. This sets out a framework for the government to make regulations on how collection agencies must conduct their collection activities in our communities.

A number of years ago, through the agreement on internal trade, the GNWT agreed to approach consumer-related issues cooperatively and work towards greater harmonization in these fields. A number of commitments were made which included harmonized collection practices.

Madam Chair, we have licensed the operation of collection agencies for many years under the Consumer Protection Act. Over time, we have seen a steady increase in both the calls to northern residents and in complaints regarding high-pressure collection tactics being used on residents.

Madam Chair, this bill, along with the regulations that will be made under it will address that situation. Through the introduction of harmonized collection agency practices, we will move to harmonize with our provincial and territorial partners in this area. The suggested changes include provisions dealing with a wide range of collection practices, ranging from issues of harassment to when and where a deputy may be contacted.

Madam Chair, these changes also benefit the collection agencies we regulate now, by ensuring that the collection practices apply the same for each jurisdiction. In the past, agencies had to follow different rules in different jurisdictions. This initiative will ensure that there's a common set of rules in all jurisdictions.

Madam Chair, last summer the committee had the opportunity to review the proposed draft legislation and a list of prohibited practices agreed upon by the provinces and territories. The comments of the committee were taken into account in the proposed change so that an extended time period of northern mail service will be adopted in our regulations. One suggestion not incorporated will be the requirement for collection agencies to ensure the accuracy of information provided to a credit bureau.

Madam Chair, collection agencies are only a small part of the reporting structure of the credit bureau. To address that concern, the GNWT would have to prepare legislation dealing with credit reporting agencies. As this exceeded the scope of the original legislation proposal, we have not included those provisions at this time. I will ensure that my department monitors consumer activities and if the need for such legislation arises, we will initiate it and bring it to the Legislative Assembly for review. Thank you. Madam Chair, I am open to answering any questions the Members may have.

Thank you, Minister Steen. Minister Steen, would you like to bring in witnesses at this time? My apologies, I jumped the gun there. At this time, I would like to invite the committee chair to make comments on the bill. Mr. Roland.

Standing Committee On Governance And Economic Development Comments

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee reviewed this and went through hearings and there were no major issues with the bill. Technical amendments, by nature.

The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development conducted a public review of Bill 4, An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection Act, on March 5, 2003. The committee would like to thank the Minister and his staff for presenting the bill.

Members are pleased that these amendments will bring the NWT legislation on collection agencies into line with other provinces and territories. This will help to ensure that collection agencies are following the same rules across the country, and that debtors are treated fairly.

The committee has some continuing concerns with the practice of credit bureaus, but understands that this issue is beyond the scope of Bill 4. In particular, Members are concerned about protecting people from bad credit ratings based on incorrect information. Members would urge the Minister to have the department monitor this issue and consider whether it needs to be addressed in future amendments.

This concludes the Standing committee on Governance and Economic Development's review of Bill 4.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. At this time, I would like to ask Minister Steen if he would like to invite in witnesses.

Thank you, Madam Chair. With the permission of the committee, yes.

Does the committee agree the Minister can have witnesses?

Thank you, committee. Sergeant-at-Arms, could you bring in the witnesses?

Minister Steen, for the record, would you introduce your witnesses.

Madam Chair, on my right is Deputy Minister of MACA, Debbie DeLancey; and on my left is legislative counsel from Justice, Janis Cooper.

Thank you. Are there any general comments?