The Commissioner recommends the NWT enact its own "made-in-the-north" private sector privacy legislation for the health care sector. The Commissioner strongly recommends that even if the GNWT does not tackle general private sector legislation, at a minimum, health sector legislation should be considered.

The contracting out of health care to private contractors occurs with more and more frequency across the country. The NWT is no exception. Very sensitive personal health records are created and managed by private contractors, which can lead to situations where there is cause for concern. For example, the British Columbia provincial government was outsourcing health records management to a Canadian subsidiary of an American Company. This meant that the personal health information of B.C. residents could be subject to the American Patriot Act, which gives the U.S. government access to the records.

The committee is aware that proposed amendments to the act will clarify that contractors are to be considered employees with respect to the act, and, therefore, the records they create or manage are subject to the act. Nevertheless, the committee supports the Commissioner's recommendation. The committee is of the opinion that the GNWT should follow the lead of other jurisdictions, such as Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, and begin to develop legislation that deals with privacy issues within the health sector.

Mr. Chairman, I move that this committee recommends that the GNWT come forward with a legislative proposal for legislation that addresses the need for private sector privacy legislation for the health sector.

Mahsi, Mr. Menicoche. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Mr. Menicoche.

Devolution And Self-Government Negotiations

For the second year, the Commissioner recommends that access to information and protection of privacy issues be kept at the top of the agenda in devolution and aboriginal self-government negotiations to ensure accountability and protection of personal information by new governments. The committee supports this recommendation. It is important that emerging governments are aware of these issues. The committee was pleased to note that the GNWT is in agreement and has committed to look at ways to address this issue further.

I move that this committee recommends that that the GNWT come forward with a plan, including timelines, to ensure access and privacy issues will be considered in devolution and self-government negotiations.

Mahsi, Mr. Menicoche. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Mr. Menicoche.

Conclusion

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight would like to thank the Commissioner, Ms. Elaine Keenan-Bengts, for presenting her report at the committee's public hearing.

I move that this committee recommends the Executive Council table a comprehensive response to this report within 120 days, in accordance with Rule 93(5) of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly.

Mahsi, Mr. Menicoche. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Does committee agree that Committee Report 4-15(4) is concluded?

Thank you. What is the wish of committee? Mr. Menicoche.

I move that we report progress.

Thank you. There is a motion to report progress on the floor; it is not debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

I will rise and report progress. Thank you, committee.

Can I have the report of Committee of the Whole, please. Mr. Ramsay.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 11, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No, 2, 2005-2006; Minister's Statement 24-15(4); and Committee Report 4-15(4), and would like to report progress, with 10 motions being adopted, and that Committee Report 4-15(4) and Minister's Statement 24-15(4) are concluded, and that Bill 11 is ready for third reading, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of Committee of the Whole be concurred with.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Do we have a seconder? The Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden. Motion is on the floor. Motion is in order. All those in favour? Opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Item 21, third reading of bills. The honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to proceed with third reading of Bill 11, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 2, 2005-2006.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. The Member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with third reading of Bill 11. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may proceed with third reading, Mr. Roland.