Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, I do have some opening comments.

I’m very pleased to provide comments on Bill 19, Donation of Food Act. Bill 19 is a new act that will ensure protection for donors of food and distributors of donated food from liability for their actions.

In all of our communities perfectly good food often goes to waste due to policies and standards established by food businesses and restaurants. Food is often wasted because we have too much food and too few attendees at social functions. Some concerned and committed individuals have started to rescue this food and pass it on to needy organizations and families. However, currently food donors are not protected from liability should the recipients of the food suffer any harm or injury. Bill 19 will provide such protection and allow NWT communities to establish legitimate food rescue programs safe from fear of prosecution.

It is my hope that eventually all NWT communities will establish food rescue programs for the benefit of those less fortunate in our society. I would like to

thank Mrs. Ruby Trudel, who brought forward the need for this bill, and commend her and her team for their work to date. I will be pleased to answer any questions that Members might have.