Thank you, Madam Chair. I am pleased to introduce Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act. The current act allows the Department of Health and Social Services to apprehend children under the age of 16 in specific circumstances where the safety of a child may be jeopardized, including the denial of proper medical attention. The proposed amendments to the act are required to meet constitutional obligations ensuring the rights of parents are protected and consistent with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These amendments will ensure parents receive a fair and prompt hearing.

After the apprehension of a child, it is proposed that notice of a child apprehension be filed with the court within four days and an apprehension hearing be held within nine days of filing. The court may either make an order confirming the apprehension or dismiss the application. In medical emergencies, the process can be expedited to ensure timely treatment of a child.

Bill 5 also recommends a statement in the preamble of the act about the important role the extended family can play in a child's life. The proposed amendments support the current system of a plan of care agreements used in the NWT in child apprehension situations. This system provides an alternative method of dealing with child protection concerns outside a court setting and promotes community and family involvement in child protection decisions.

That concludes my opening remarks. Thank you, Madam Chair.