Mahsi, Mr. Chairman. I’m pleased to introduce Bill 1, An Act to Amend the Historical Resources Act. The purpose of this legislation is to update the Historical Resources Act and make a number of minor, non-substantive amendments.
The Historical Resources Act was originally enacted prior to establishment of a government department or agency with the mandate to identify and protect the Northwest Territories’ historical resources and heritage. The act was a means for the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories to fulfill this important role, in consultation with members of the Historical Advisory Board.
Since that time the Government of the Northwest Territories has established a program whose mandate is to identify and protect NWT historical resources and heritage. Professional staff in the Department of Education, Culture and Employment have assumed the role of the Historical Advisory Board, which has not operated for approximately 25 years.
This bill updates the Historical Resources Act to reflect the fact that the Historical Advisory Board is no longer necessary or functioning in administration of the act. This bill also makes amendments to update provisions of the Historical Resources Act that refers to the Commissioner’s responsibilities in administering the legislation. The amendments will make the Minister, rather than the Commissioner, the public officer responsible for the administration of the act.
The bill will also make a number of minor, non-substantive amendments to the act that have been identified by legislative counsel. We trust that the members of the committee will agree that the amendments proposed in this bill are appropriate.
I will be pleased to answer any questions that the members of the committee may have.