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.