Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Justice is beginning public consultations on proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act. The proposed amendments would modernize the act and make it more focused. They would also ensure that disputes are resolved more quickly and make sure landlords and tenants have effective remedies. I will table the document "Amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act Consultation Paper" later today.
The Residential Tenancies Act regulates the relationship between residential landlords and tenants. It strikes a balance between the interests of tenants and landlords. It also provides for the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants by a rental officer.
We are proposing a number of amendments to the act. Many are minor and are essentially housekeeping items. They correct errors and outdated references. Other proposed changes are intended to introduce new remedies to protect landlords and tenants. A few changes are intended to shorten administrative processes, including the time required to determine undisputed applications for unpaid rent, and permit the rental officer to issue eviction orders.
The consultation paper is being distributed to stakeholders and is also on the Department of Justice web site. The paper contains a brief overview of tenancy issues in the NWT, suggests changes and poses questions for discussion. The department is inviting written responses until the end of April. Ads will be placed in NWT newspapers to inform the public that they can participate. A phone number is available to anyone with questions. This will be followed by focused stakeholder and public consultations later this spring. The department wants to hear from landlords, tenants, non-government organizations and anyone who can offer suggestions about the proposed amendments.
Also, the department welcomes general comments about the Residential Tenancies Act. Given the recent concerns expressed about increases to rental rates, this is also an opportunity for landlords and tenants to express opinions on rent controls in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause