Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is the chair's comments on Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Education Act. The Standing Committee on Social Programs conducted its public review of Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Education Act, on October 12, 2004. The committee would like to thank the Sahtu Divisional Education Council for its written submission, and the Minister and his staff for presenting the bill. The bill will amend the Education Act and make consequential amendments to the Public Service Act to provide that superintendents are not members of the public service.

The Sahtu Divisional Education Council wrote in support of this amendment, which will confirm their ability to hire independent superintendents directly answerable to them. As stated in their letter, this is critical if education councils are to be meaningful and represent their constituents effectively.

The Minister advised committee that the two superintendents who are currently members of the public service will not lose any benefits as a result of the change and will likely be protected through secondment agreements.

During the clause-by-clause review of the bill, a motion to amend the bill was made at the request of the Minister. The amendments extend liability protection to superintendents, provided they act in good faith. This clause is identical to other sections of the act which protects members of district education councils and authorities, as well as other staff who are not members of the public service.

This concludes the committee's opening comments on Bill 12. Individual members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed. Following the committee's review, a motion was carried to report Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Education Act, as amended, to the Assembly as ready for Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.