Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I am pleased to provide opening comments to Bill 17 on behalf of the Legislative Assembly's Board of Management.
Bill 17 amends the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act to set out certain rights and privileges of the Legislative Assembly to clarify the responsibilities of the Speaker, Board of Management and officers of the Legislative Assembly to define and ensure consistent use of certain terms and to make a number of minor changes to the act.
Madam Chair, Bill 17 is the result of a comprehensive review of the NWT Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act undertaken following the election of the 15th Legislative Assembly. To assist in the review, a comparative analysis of our legislation was conducted in comparison to other more modern acts of similar purposes in other Canadian and Commonwealth jurisdictions. Bill 17, in addition to clarifying confusing and ambiguous language, confirms that this NWT Legislative Assembly enjoys the same privileges and independence as others under the Westminster's model. The bill clarifies the process for filling vacancies in the Legislative Assembly, distinguishes the sitting of the House from a session, clarifies the start date for various allowances for Members of the Legislative Assembly, and allows for the public
release of reports of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner when the Legislative Assembly is not sitting.
Thank you, Madam Chair. That concludes my opening comments and I would be pleased to answer any questions Members may have.