Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Standing Committee on Social Programs conducted its public review of Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act, on September 17, 2013. A clause-by-clause review was conducted the same day.

The committee thanks the Minister and his staff for presenting the bill. The bill provides justices of the peace for the protection from civil liability so long as they do not act maliciously and without reasonable and probable cause.

Following the committee’s review, a motion was carried to report Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act, to the Assembly as ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.

This concludes the committee’s opening comments on Bill 16. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chair.