Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Social Programs conducted its public review of Bill 5, Professional Corporations Act, on January 16, 2009. The committee thanks the witnesses, Ms. Linda Whitford of the NWT Law Society and Mr. Robert O’Rourke, for their participation. The committee also thanks the Minister and his staff for presenting the bill.

Mr. Chairman, the bill allows members of certain professions to incorporate. In addition, the governing bodies of these professions are enabled to create bylaws or rules regarding the professional corporations. Members of a profession who are shareholders in or employees of a professional corporation are subject to the same professional and ethical responsibilities as other members of the profession in respect to their dealings with their clients and their governing bodies.

Mr. Chairman, non-substantive amendments have been made to the bill by committee motion and with the concurrence of the Minister. Following the committee’s review, a motion was carried to report Bill 5, Professional Corporations Act, to the Assembly as ready for Committee of the Whole as amended and reprinted. This concludes committee’s opening comments on Bill 5. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.