Mr. Chairman, the first paragraph, "Whereas the principle of equal pay for work of equal value has been internationally recognized as a human right," the purpose of that is to explain the policy, the law it intended to achieve. The preamble's clauses can be useful in interpreting the various specific provisions of the statute.

The second paragraph, "Whereas the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to ensuring that male and female persons in the public service continue to be protected against systemic wage discrimination through the recognition and exercise of the right of equal pay for work of equal value." This clause explains that male and female public service employees currently have the right of equal pay for work of equal value in the NWT, and that this protection against systemic discrimination will continue in the future.

In the third paragraph, "Whereas the provision of a right to equal pay for work of equal value in the public service furthers the leadership of the Government of the Northwest Territories on employment equality issues among employers in the Northwest Territories." This clause confirms that employment equality is a matter of concern in the GNWT, and in its capacity as an employer, it's well positioned to set a positive example for other NWT employers. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.