Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Social Programs conducted a public review of Bill 3, Medical Profession Act, at meetings held on February 15 and 24, 2010.
Bill 3 replaces and repeals the existing Medical Profession Act, which is almost 30 years old. The new act will modernize the processes for the registration and discipline of medical practitioners in the Northwest Territories and will make consequential amendments to the Ophthalmic Medical Assistance Act and the Pharmacy Act.
The committee heard from several stakeholders including the executive director and the legal counsel for the Canadian Medical Protective Association, the president and legal counsel for the NWT Medical Board of Inquiry, the registrar of the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the president from the NWT Medical Association. These presentations had been prepared carefully and thoughtfully. Committee members appreciated the participation of these stakeholders.
Based on the insights of the various stakeholders, and after some discussion with the Minister, several amendments were proposed. Some of the amending motions reflected non-substantive but important changes, while other amending motions helped to clarify certain sections of the act. The Minister of Health and Social Services concurred with the amending motions during a clause-by-clause review. Following a clause-by-clause review, a motion was carried to report to the Legislative Assembly that Bill 3 as amended and reprinted is now ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
This concludes committee’s general comments. Individual members may have comments or questions as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.