Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, that Bill 15, Tlicho Community Services Agency Act, be read for the second time.

Mr. Speaker, this bill established the Tlicho Community Services Agency, to perform functions related to education, health and social services in Tlicho communities and on Tlicho lands. The agency is required by the Tlicho Intergovernmental Services Agreement made under the Tlicho Land Claims and Self-Government Agreement.

The agency will be an agent of the Government of the Northwest Territories and will be a public agency listed in schedule A of the Financial Administration Act. Since most of its employees will be public servants, the agency will be listed in schedule A of the Public Service Act.

The agency will be composed of five members. Each community government will appoint one member and the fifth member will be a chairperson appointed by the Minister.

In accordance with the Tlicho Intergovernmental Services Agreement, the agency will continue to perform the functions of the Dogrib Divisional Education Council under the Education Act, including delivering the kindergarten to Grade 12 education program in accordance with standards established by the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The agency will also continue to perform the functions of the Dogrib Community Services Board, including the functions of a board of management under the Hospital Insurance and Health and Social Services Administration Act and other acts in accordance with applicable laws and with standards established by the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The agency may, with the consent of the Government of the Northwest Territories, perform additional roles assigned or delegated to it by the Tlicho government or by the Government of Canada.

The existing Dogrib Divisional Education Council and the Dogrib Community Services Board will be dissolved. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.