Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure held public hearings on Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act, during the months of May and June 2011, in Yellowknife, Deline, Norman Wells, Fort Good Hope, Fort Liard, Jean Marie River, and Fort Simpson. While the committee supports these amendments, some Members feel they could have gone further by addressing other distractions, such as hands-free devices, personal grooming, and dogs riding in vehicles. Members also raised concerns about the effect of the legislation on drivers travelling on winter roads where safety requires the use of communication devices; for example, to warn of obstructions or large vehicles ahead. The committee urges the government to ensure exempting regulations are made to allow for the use of handheld devices where warranted by safety considerations, such as those presented by our winter roads.
During the clause-by-clause review of the bill on August 17, 2011, the committee passed and the Minister concurred with two non-substantive amendments as requested by the government. Following the clause-by-clause review, a motion was carried to report Bill 16 to the Assembly as ready for Committee of the Whole as amended and reprinted. This concludes the committee’s general comments on Bill 16. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chair.