Mr. Speaker, as I’ve indicated, we’ve always been fairly clear that the legislation is going to take about 10 to 12 months to conclude, once we have received the LP back. The LP came back in November, which leaves us about just over six months to May/June. Recognizing the importance of this legislation, the Minister of Justice has committed staff and I’ve committed staff to make this happen for May/June. So that’s six months’ work in 10 months.
We’re working like crazy to make this happen, and it’s our hope that it will happen. We’re intending to actually introduce the bill for first reading and
second reading, not table it in May/June, but first reading and second reading in May/June.
If, unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances like we have to rewrite a whole lot of regulations or one of our staff members happens to get ill and isn’t able to continue with the file, we may not finish in May/June. If that happens, our intention is to table the document in the August or fall sitting, which will make this a public document so all residents in the Northwest Territories will be able to review, read and discuss this legislation. Discussion can begin at that point. At which point, early in the 18th Assembly, whoever the Minister of Health and Social Services happens to be, he can bring that forward at the first sitting for first reading and second reading and then begin the normal 120-day process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.