Floyd Roland Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Wednesday, August 24, 2011, I will move that Bill 24, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 2, 2011-2012, be read for the first time.

Floyd Roland Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, as well, I give notice that on Wednesday, August 24, 2011, I will move that Bill 25, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 2, 2011-2012, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Item 17, motions. Item 18, first reading of bills. Item 19, second reading of bills. Item 20, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters: Committee Report 6-16(6), Report on the Review of Bill 10, Northwest Territories Heritage Fund Act; Bill 9, Wildlife Act; Bill 10, Northwest Territories Heritage Fund Act; Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Deh Cho Bridge Act; Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act; Bill 17, An Act to Amend the Territorial Parks Act; Bill 18, An Act to Amend the Public Utilities Act; Bill 22, An Act to Amend the Territorial Court Act; and Bill 23, Tobacco Damages

and Health Care Costs Recovery Act, with Mr. Krutko in the chair.

The Chair David Krutko

I’d like to call Committee of the Whole to order. We have Committee Report 6-16(6), Bills 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23. What is the wish of committee? Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The committee today wishes to deal with Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Deh Cho Bridge Act; Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act; Bill 17, An Act to Amend the Territorial Parks Act; and Bill 18, An Act to Amend the Public Utilities Act. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chair David Krutko

Committee concur?

The Chair David Krutko

So with that, we’ll take a short break and begin with Bill 15 in that order.

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The Chair David Krutko

I’d like to call Committee of the Whole back to order. Prior to the break we agreed to begin with Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Deh Cho Bridge Act. At this time I would like to ask the Minister responsible for the bill if he has any opening comments. Minister McLeod.

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to present Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Deh Cho Bridge Act, which proposes amendments to update the act to reflect changes and advancements in the Deh Cho Bridge project. The Deh Cho Bridge will provide all-day, year-round access across the Mackenzie River, replacing the operations of the Merv Hardie Ferry and the Mackenzie River ice crossing, and this bill makes three main amendments to support these future operations.

First, all reference to the Deh Cho Bridge Fund is being removed. This special fund is no longer needed, now that the Government of the Northwest Territories has assumed control of the project.

We are also implementing shared liability for tolls. This means that both the registered vehicle owner and the driver may be liable for tolling offences. An automated toll collection system is in development and will allow for more efficient trucking operations by not requiring all commercial vehicles to stop and pay their toll on site. To ensure proper enforcement as part of this system, we require the ability to charge either the driver or the registered owner of the vehicle for tolling offences.

Finally, Bill 15 provides the authority to make regulations respecting the use of commercial

vehicle transponders. A transponder is an industry-standard device that receives and transmits a radio signal to identify an individual vehicle to a computer system. When a commercial driver uses a transponder, our computer will identify the vehicle for a toll, allowing the driver to continue without delay. Transponders will also reduce administrative burdens on both the department and commercial operators.

Mr. Chair, these are relatively minor administrative amendments, but they are also necessary to reflect changes to the project and for the department to move forward with implementation of the toll collection system. Thank you.

The Chair David Krutko

Thank you, Mr. Minister. With that, I’d like to ask the Minister if he would bring in any witnesses. Mr. McLeod.

The Chair David Krutko

Is committee agreed that the Minister bring in his witnesses?