Yes, I do, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to speak to Bill 17, An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act. If passed, this act will increase the minimum wage in the Northwest Territories from $6.50 an hour to $8.25 an hour. The minimum wage was last changed in 1991. The cost of living in Canada has increased approximately 20 percent since that time. This is one of the key factors in setting the proposed minimum wage at $8.25 an hour.

If this bill is passed, the Northwest Territories will have the second highest minimum wage in Canada after Nunavut, whose rate is $8.50. By setting the rate at $8.25 we will recognize that the cost of living in Nunavut is higher than in the Northwest Territories.

Bill 17 will also remove the different minimum wage for people under 16 years of age. Under the current act the minimum wage for those under 16 years of age is either $6.00 or $6.50 depending on whether they live in an on-road community or an off-road community. These amendments ensure that everyone, regardless of age or where they live, will receive a minimum wage of $8.25 an hour.

Having one minimum wage rate is consistent with the Human Rights Act adopted by this Assembly. The legislation sets December 28, 2003, as the day the new rate will come into effect. This allows enough time for the department to ensure that residents and employers are fully aware of the changes and have time to plan for them.

Mr. Chairman, I would be pleased to answer any questions the Committee of the Whole may have. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.