Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Standing Committee on Social Programs conducted its public
review of Bill 18, Apology Act, on September 18, 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 an apology made by or on behalf of a person in relation to any civil matter does not constitute an admission of fault or liability by the person or confirmation of a cause of action related to the matter and does not affect insurance coverage available to the person making the apology.
The bill also provides that an apology is not admissible in any judicial or quasi-judicial and civil proceeding and may not be considered or referred to in relation to fault or liability in any such proceeding.
Following committee’s review, a motion was carried to report Bill 18, Apology Act, to the Assembly as ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
This concludes the committee’s opening comments on Bill 18. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chair.