Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do have some concerns with respect to boards, more specifically with respect to the liability of board members who make decisions in the course of their duties. Most of the boards established by this government are made up of volunteers and training is very limited as to how to perform their duties. Mr. Speaker, I'm not sure if they get a full orientation of what their responsibilities are and what risks they take when they make the decision, especially if that decision has an impact on other people's lives.

Are board members liable for decisions that they make, Mr. Speaker? Some boards clearly have a provision that speaks to liability and the legislation that established them. For example, Mr. Speaker, I don't believe there is provision in the social assistance act that speaks to the liability of Members on the social assistance appeals board. Mr. Speaker, if there ever was a legal challenge to some of these decisions, are these people who serve as board members protected? Will they have to defend themselves in court or will the government pay for their legal costs?

Mr. Speaker, I wonder if the government provides enough support and resources to these boards so they can investigate properly and obtain all the information necessary to exercise due diligence. Mr. Speaker, I'm not just talking about the minimum amount of funding to provide a service or hold a meeting. I mean enough money and departmental support to ensure that the decision made are based on all the facts.

Mr. Speaker, if the Government of the Northwest Territories establishes these boards, can the government be liable for breach of duty if we fail to properly support our boards? Mr. Speaker, I raise these issues today because I believe that if the government establishes a board, then the government has a responsibility to ensure that board can do its job properly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause