Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the Standing Committee on Social Programs, in association with the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight, conducted public hearings in Yellowknife on June 6 and 7, as well as on August 13, 2007, and in Behchoko, at an evening meeting on June 6, 2007. The committee then split into two committees to conduct public hearings in Fort Smith and Inuvik on June 11, 2007; Hay River and Tsiigehtchic on June 12, 2007; in Jean Marie River and Tulita on June 13, 2007; and in Fort Simpson and Gameti on June 14, 2007. The committee is grateful to all persons who took the time to make their views known to committee.

The Public Health Act is a rewrite of an act that is over 50 years old. It recognizes modern methods of dealing with public health issues and provides the Minister and the chief public health officer with the authority they need to respond to a public health crisis while respecting, as much as possible, the rights of the individual.

There were no specific concerns expressed on the content of the bill during any of the public hearings; however, during the northern swing, committee members heard concerns from Gordon Yakeleya, the mayor of Tulita, on the lack of readily available parts for the water intake pump and the potential impact on water quality in Tulita. Committee also heard concerns in the community of Tsiigehtchic on the suitability of the present water supply as beavers have been observed in their reservoir and some people are experiencing rashes after bathing in treated water. The office of the chief public health officer is encouraged to work with these communities and the other responsible GNWT departments to allay the community concerns with their water supply.

Mr. Chairman, this concludes the committee's remarks on Bill 12, the Public Health Act. Individual Members may have questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chair.