Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Social Programs conducted its public review of Bill 4, Public Library Act, on January 15th , 2009. The committee thanks the
Minister and his staff for presenting the bill. The bill repeals the current Library Act and introduces a new modernized act to govern the establishment and operation of Northwest Territories libraries, as well as setting out the powers of the library authorities.
A non-substantive amendment was made to the bill by committee motion and with the concurrence of the Minister. Following the committee’s review, the motion was carried to report Bill 4, Public Library Act, to the Assembly as ready for Committee of the Whole as amended and reprinted.
This concludes the committee’s opening comments on Bill 4. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed.