Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Standing Committee on Social Programs has completed its review of Bill 41, An Act to Amend the Partnership Act. The committee thanks the Minister and his staff for presenting the bill.

The bill clarifies registration requirements, sets restrictions on the registration of new names, aligns administrative procedures with the Business Corporations Act and allows for judicial review of a registrar’s decision. The bill also specifies offences, sets new maximum fine amounts and makes minor amendments to improve readability.

The public hearing on the bill was held on February 2, 2015. The committee’s clause-by-clause review was held the same day. Following the committee’s review, a motion was carried to report Bill 41 to the Assembly as ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.

During the hearing a member asked for clarification on the clause pertaining to judicial review of a registrar’s decision. After the hearing and review had concluded, the Minister indicated his agreement with the member’s concern and prepared an amendment to improve the wording of the clause. A motion in support of that amendment will be brought before Committee of the Whole.

This concludes the committee’s opening comments on Bill 41. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed.