Thank you, Madam Chair. The Standing Committee on Social Programs, in association with the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight, conducted public hearings on Bill 14, Employment Standards Act, in Yellowknife on June 6th and 7th as well as on August 13, 2007, and in Behchoko at the union 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; and Jean Marie and Tulita on June 13, 2007; and in Fort Simpson and Gameti on June 14, 2007. A clause-by-clause review with the Minister took place on August 13, 2007.
The committee would like to thank everyone who took the time to make presentations and make their views on this important legislation known to the committee. We would also like to thank the Minister and the staff of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment as well as staff of the legislation division of the Department of Justice for their collaborative efforts in addressing some of the problems with the legislation that were identified while the committee had possession of the bill.
This concludes the comments of the Standing Committee on Social Programs. Individual members may have comments as we proceed. Mahsi, Madam Chair.