Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Social Programs conducted its public review of Bill 10, Exemptions Act, on February 17, 2010. The
committee would like to thank the Minister and his staff for presenting the bill.
The bill repeals and replaces the existing Exemptions Act. In the new act, property categories that are exempt from legal seizure are expanded to include types of property essential for subsistence of the debtor and his or her dependents. The Public Service Garnishee Act is also amended.
Following discussions which took place during the public review, the committee will be moving an amendment to include trapping in the description of subsistence activities included in the bill.
Following the committee’s review, a motion was carried to report Bill 10, Exemptions Act, to the Assembly as ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
This concludes the committee’s opening comments on Bill 10. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.