Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight met on June 25, 2004, to review Bill 8, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2004. The act makes minor amendments to a number of statutes. The committee asked for an explanation of clause 7, which will repeal the Economic Development Agreements Act. The Minister and his staff advised that there are currently no agreements under this act, and that any future agreements with the Government of Canada would probably not require legislation.

Members also asked for an explanation of clause 13, which will repeal the Norman Wells Natural Gas Distribution System Act. The Minister and his staff informed committee that the act is now unnecessary because of the new Cities, Towns and Villages Act, which came into force on April 1st of this year and which provides broader powers to municipal governments.

The bill includes several amendments that transfer to a Minister some of the Commissioner's authorities, such as making certain appointments. The Minister confirmed that these amendments will not result in any practical changes in how decisions are made, but will simply streamline and make more transparent the process for putting them into effect.

Following the clause-by-clause review, a motion was carried to report Bill 8 to the Assembly as ready for Committee of the Whole.

This concludes the committee's general comments on Bill 8. Individual committee members may have questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.