Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures tabled Committee Report 3-16(3) on February 11, 2009. This report on the use of laptop computers and BlackBerry devices in the Legislative Assembly was read into the record and a motion was passed to move the report into Committee of the Whole. Members may recall that the report recommended that laptop computers be allowed during the Committee of the Whole proceedings during the sitting of the Legislative Assembly and that the use of laptops be evaluated.

The committee is also recommending that the standing and special committees of the Assembly allow the use of laptops during committee meetings. The committee further recommends that the issue of the purchase of laptops, the planning and installation of supporting infrastructure, required changes to operational procedures and the implementation plan be all developed.

Lastly, Mr. Chair, the committee is recommending that the use of BlackBerry devices be permitted but, similar to the use of cell phones, they must not disrupt Members’ activities.

Mr. Chairman, I am prepared to make the three motions as recommended by the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures in the report. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.