Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Social Programs met on Friday, May 16, 2003, to review Bill 10, An Act to Amend the Hospital Insurance and Health and Social Services Administration Act. The amendments will allow the Minister to appoint the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority and clarify that the employees of the authority are not members of the public service as defined by the Public Service Act.

Committee Members noted these amendments were developed in consultation with the town of Hay River and the employees as represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada. No concerns were expressed by either party to the standing committee.

Individual Members of the committee may have questions or comments for the Minister as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.