I am pleased to be here today to introduce Bill 13, Marriage Act.

This bill will replace the current Marriage Act. The current act predates the 1988 consolidation of Northwest Territories health statutes. Minor amendments have been made to the Marriage Act since then; however, none have kept pace with the Federal Government’s Civil Marriage Act and with other provincial and territorial marriage legislation.

It is important that we update the existing legislation now to ensure compliance with the federal Civil Marriage Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The bill reorganizes the provisions in the Marriage Act in a more logical way, and adopts plain language so that residents can better understand the requirements and procedures for getting married in the Northwest Territories.

The proposed bill is consistent with other jurisdictions’ marriage legislation while recognizing specific needs of the Northwest Territories, for example by making it easier for residents in smaller communities to get a marriage licence.

The bill proposes several key changes to the existing act including:

● Marriage of individuals under the age of 16 will be prohibited to comply with the federal Civil Marriage Act;

● A public registry of marriage licence issuers will be established to make it easier for residents to find a marriage licence issuer closest to them;

● Allows for the establishment of a public registry of marriage commissioners and registered clerics in the future;

● There is greater clarity around the provisions regarding the consent required for minors wanting to marry;

● Individuals will be prohibited from being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time they are requesting a marriage licence, requesting bands, or at the marriage ceremony;

● Gender specific references will be removed;

● Provisions relating to persons who were previously married are simplified;

● Confidentiality provisions are included to protect the privacy of individuals; and

● Eligibility requirements for individuals applying to be appointed as marriage commissioners will reflect current administrative practice.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Standing Committee on Social Development for their review of the bill and their comments.

I am pleased to answer any questions Members may have.