Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to be here to discuss Bill 47, An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act.

Bill 47 is the result of four years of work by the department and would not have been possible without the interest and dedication to the Child and Family Services Act demonstrated by the people of the Northwest Territories as well as Members of the Standing Committee on Social Programs from both the 16th and 17th Legislative Assemblies.

The primary purpose of the Child and Family Services Act is to protect children and youth from harm, and the amendments proposed in this bill allow us to focus on less intrusive measures wherever and whenever possible.

While the bill will address many gaps in services for children and youth, we know the work does not end there. This legislation provides the foundation for keeping families and communities together as much as possible and the department will continue working to achieve this.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Standing Committee on Social Programs, community members, front-line workers, and families for their significant contribution to the development of this bill.

I would be pleased to answer any questions Members may have. Thank you.