Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Deh Cho, that Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Territorial Court Act, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill amends the Territorial Court Act with respect to territorial judges, the Judicial Remuneration Commission, and the consideration of complaints relating to judicial conduct. The bill clarifies that a candidate from outside of the NWT may be considered for appointment to the bench, but must reside in the Territories if appointed. The amendments also permit a territorial judge to either swear or affirm the oaths of allegiance and office, enable the chief judge to designate a territorial judge to act in his or her place for absences of up to 40 days, and permit the territorial judges to make rules relating to the practice and procedure in the Territorial Court in civil matters. The bill changes the term of the Judicial Remuneration Commission from three years to four years and clarifies some matters that the commission must consider in making its recommendations. The bill also provides that any complaint to the Judicial Council respecting the conduct of a territorial judge shall be reviewed by the chairperson, who may refer the complaint to the chief judge for action if it relates to a minor matter. The bill also makes other minor amendments to the act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.