Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to be here to discuss Bill 36, Health and Social Services Professions Act. The Health and Social Services Professions Act is a result of five years of work by the department and reflects significant feedback from professionals as well as the public. This act will provide the foundation for future regulation of health and social services professions in the Northwest Territories.

If passed, this legislation will enable the Government of the Northwest Territories to regulate numerous professions under one legislative framework. This includes modernizing existing and outdated legislation as well as adding newly regulated professions.

The bill includes a process for designation and a list of criteria that will be considered to help government prioritize which professions should be regulated and when. Above all, the proposed act will help ensure the public is protected. Only qualified individuals will be licenced and a complaints

and

discipline

process

will

be

established that is fair, balanced and consistent with best practices in Canada.

The Health and Social Services Professions Act mirrors six other umbrella acts across Canada, making us the seventh jurisdiction to have legislation of this importance. If passed, it will be a great accomplishment for the 17th Legislative

Assembly.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the members of the Standing Committee on Social Programs, numerous professionals throughout the Northwest

Territories

and

their

significant

contribution to the development of this bill. We look forward to working with you again as we develop profession-specific regulations in the future. I would be pleased to answer any questions that committee may have. Thank you.