Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Standing Committee on Social Programs reviewed Bill 19, the Donation of Food Act, at a public meeting held Thursday, October 16, 2008. At the public meeting we heard from the sponsor of the bill, Ms. Bisaro, on the need to protect businesses that donate food for charity from liability concerns. We heard that many more restaurants and grocery outlets would donate food if the liability issues were dealt with.

The committee heard from Hon. Sandy Lee, Minister of Health and Social Services, on the government’s support for this legislation and the actions that her department takes to ensure food safety for all Northerners, including those who would benefit from donated food.

We also heard from Ruby Trudel, who advocated for such an act and is actively involved in the collection and distribution of donated food here in the city of Yellowknife. The committee applauds Mrs. Trudel’s efforts on behalf of less fortunate Northerners and the restaurants and grocery outlets that have made donations — or will do so in the future — to support her efforts.

It is important to note that this legislation is for the entire NWT and not just one organization in Yellowknife. As long as the donor is not selling the donated food, the food is fit for consumption and the donor does not intend to injure, they will be protected from liability. It is hoped that the passage of this important legislation will encourage others to work with their local restaurants and grocery stores to save edible food from going into the landfills.

In closing, we would like to thank our colleague the honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Wendy Bisaro, for sponsoring this important legislation and bringing it forward for this Legislature’s consideration.

This concludes the committee’s comments. Individual committee members may have questions or comments as we proceed.