Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Social Programs held public hearings on Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Territorial Court Act, on December 5th, 2005 in Yellowknife; on December 6, 2005, in Enterprise and Kakisa; and on December 7th in Fort Providence and Behchoko. The clause-by-clause review of the bill took place in Yellowknife on January 31, 2006.
Bill 12 includes an amendment that allows for the appointment of non-resident judges, although once appointed they would be required to relocate to the NWT. While the committee does not have concerns with this specific amendment, Members do wish to underline the importance of northern experience and familiarity with northern culture and the selection criteria for judges.
Following the clause-by-clause review, a motion was carried to report Bill 12 to the Assembly as ready for Committee of the Whole. This concludes the committee's general comments on Bill 12. Individual committee members may have questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.