Thank you, Madam Chair. The Standing Committee on Social Programs conducted its public review of Bill 7, An Act to Amend the Judicature Act, on August 23 and October 29, 2012. The committee thanks the Minister and his staff for presenting the bill.
The bill provides for the enforcement of orders stemming from the national Agreement on Internal Trade in the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories. The government has been committed to this change since 2009. The bill also allows the Commissioner, on the recommendation of the Justice Minister, to regulate fees and expenses related to court processes.
The committee initiated one amendment to the bill which was adopted during the public hearing with the Minister’s concurrence. This amendment provided for the Minister to consult with the Supreme Court before setting fees to help ensure that all citizens have fair access to justice.
Following the committee’s review, a motion was carried to report Bill 7, An Act to Amend the Judicature Act, to the Assembly as ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole as amended and reprinted.
This concludes the committee’s opening comments on Bill 7. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed.