Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would also like to welcome and thank Ms. Golding and Mr. Henderson for being with us and waiting patiently for this momentous event for them.

Mr. Chair, the Standing Committee on Social Programs conducted its public review of Bill 6, Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act, on September 5, 2006, and October 16, 2006. The committee would like to thank the members of the Northwest Territories Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists for appearing before the committee to speak in support of this long-awaited modernization of the act. The act will increase the prerequisite for membership from two years of practical experience to four years. The association representatives were able to clarify that they had been operating under these criteria for a number of years and they were consistent with national accreditation standards. The intent of these criteria is to ensure full members have sufficient experience to work independently. This does not prevent training the individuals without sufficient practical experience from working, but their work has to be supervised and reviewed by a full member.

One of the main features of this bill is the updated set of disciplinary provisions for resolving complaints of unprofessional conduct against members. The association advised the committee that, on average, it receives one to two complaints per year. It is hoped that the new alternate dispute resolution option will allow for complaints to be resolved in a more timely fashion.

Some committee members have heard complaints from constituents, that engineers and geoscience professionals sometimes undertake work in an area without making nearby communities aware of what they are doing. This is a concern, especially in settled land claim areas, and will only become more of an issue when mineral and hydrocarbon exploration continues to accelerate. In the interest of better relations between their membership and communities, the committee suggests that the association consider taking some leadership on this issue; for example, the association may wish to initiate discussions with community and aboriginal governments on communications, best practices and/or develop information for new and non-resident members about the North's unique cultural environment and governance structures.

Three amendments were made to the bill during the clause-by-clause review. One amendment clarified that candidates for membership in the association can use work experience they obtain before graduation toward their requirements. The other two amendments were of a minor and technical nature.

The committee understands the Minister will be bringing forward a further motion today in response to a concern committee raised with the two-year limitation period placed on prosecution under the act. I believe I will correct that, I believe the motion will be made on this side of the House. Mr. Chair, this amendment will allow a prosecution to proceed after the two-year period has passed if evidence of an offence does not come to light until later.

Following the committee's review, a motion was carried to report Bill 6, Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act, as amended and reprinted, to the Assembly as ready for Committee of the Whole.

This concludes committee's opening comments on Bill 6 and individual members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.