Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The following summarizes progress on committee's other priorities.

Human Resources

Effective April 1, 2006, a new Department of Human Resources was created, with the committee's support. The committee will continue to monitor the new department closely to ensure that it does result in a more efficient and accountable system. In particular, we would encourage the government to task the new department with re-examining the affirmative action policy and bringing forward options for discussion within the life of this Assembly.

A Review Of All GNWT Boards And Agencies

The Joint Cabinet/AOC Working Group has now concluded its mandate and advanced a great deal of work on data gathering and preparing a new governance framework for boards and agencies, including a policy on boards and agencies. Mr. Speaker, the committee urges the government to implement the working group's recommendations for additional resources to better coordinate boards and agencies.

A Review Of The Operations And Mandate Of The NWT Housing Corporation, Including The Rent Scales For Social Housing

Committee members have raised a number of serious concerns with the NWT Housing Corporation to which we have not received satisfactory responses from the Minister and government. This lead us to bring forward a formal motion on March 2, 2006, requesting a performance audit of the corporation by the Auditor General for Canada.

Public consultation was recently conducted on the NWT Housing Corporation's mandate. The committee looks forward to the results of this consultation later this year.

An Operational Review Of The Workers' Compensation Board And Completion Of The Amendments To The Legislation

The committee looks forward to reviewing the Auditor General's report on the performance audit of the Worker's Compensation Board.

Members continue to be concerned that they have heard little from government about the status of the rewrite of the Workers' Compensation Act, which is needed to address several outstanding issues and complete the work begun in the 14th Assembly. The committee has communicated to the government that we expect them to introduce a bill in October 2006.

Consideration Of New Legislation To Protect Whistleblowers

Members continue to believe consideration of such legislation is timely, both because of local issues and national trends toward increased accountability expectations from the public service, most recently evidenced by the "sponsorship scandal." The committee has asked the government to bring forward a public discussion paper on whistleblower legislation prior to the October 2006 sitting.

Review Of The Liquor Act

The committee has communicated to government that we expect them to introduce this legislation in the October 2006 sitting.

Review of the Residential Tenancies Act

The committee has communicated to government that we expect them to introduce a bill during the life of this Assembly.

Cost/Benefit Analysis Of Business Incentive Policy

Mr. Speaker, the committee has received the government's cost/benefit analysis of the business incentive policy and is aware that there is a great deal of apprehension among northern business owners about its future. Members look forward to seeing the results of the government's consultations before the October 2006 sitting.

Improving The Land Transfer Process And, In Particular, Accelerating Land Transfers To Municipalities

The committee is concerned that progress on this initiative is not keeping up with the demand for land, especially for

housing, Mr. Speaker. More coordination and streamlining of the land transfer process are needed if housing initiatives are to succeed.

Increased Investment In Early Childhood Development Programs

While the future of the federal Day Care Program is uncertain with the recent change of government in Ottawa, the committee encourages the Minister to continue lobbying Canada for reasonable base funding for the NWT for early childhood development.

In addition to the lack of adequate program funding, many communities lack childcare facilities. This is something the committee believes the government can do something about now, by allowing surplus government infrastructure and public housing to be used for childcare programs. The committee urges the government to come forward with a childcare infrastructure policy to make these facilities available. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to ask my colleague, Mr. Ramsay, to continue with the committee's report. Thank you.