Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Social Programs conducted its public review of Bill 8, Social Work Profession Act, on September 28, 2010. The committee thanks the Minister and her staff for presenting the bill.

The bill provides for regulation of social workers in the Northwest Territories. It sets out a system to qualify and enrol registered social workers and licensed social workers, the definitions of unprofessional conduct, a complaints mechanism, and a fair system to resolve them. These standards were designed to protect both the public and social workers.

The bill advances with strong support from the Association of Social Workers in Northern Canada. The association was well represented at the committee’s public hearing. A representative from Arctic College also spoke in favour of the bill.

Following the committee’s review, a motion was carried to report Bill 8, Social Work Profession Act, to the Assembly as ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.

This concludes the committee’s opening comments on Bill 8. Individual members from the committee may have additional questions or comments as we proceed.