Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Commissioner’s Land Act,
includes an amendment that requires anyone leasing Commissioner’s land for commercial or industrial use to post security to cover the cost of restoration of the land to a satisfactory condition. The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure conducted two public hearings on Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Commissioner’s Land Act, one on December the 8, 2009, and one on February 15, 2010.
The committee heard concerns from members of the public, a private citizen and a representative of the Deh Cho First Nations. The committee brought forward some amendments to the bill at the public review on February 15, 2010. The proposed amendments move the factors used to determine the amount of security from the regulations into the act, as well as conditions for the exemption from posting security.
Members believe these amendments result in stronger legislation that reduces the Government of the Northwest Territories’ risk of environmental liability. The Minister concurred and the bill was amended. The committee thanks the Minister and his staff for presenting the bill. Following the committee’s review, a motion was carried to report Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Commissioner’s Land Act, to the Assembly as ready for Committee of the Whole. This concludes the committee’s opening comments on Bill 5. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.