Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to be here today to introduce Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Social Assistance Act. I'd like to thank the Standing Committee on Social Development for their review.
Bill 16 seeks to extend the term of Social Assistance Appeal Board members from two years to up to four years. It also seeks to add Indigenous governments to the list of public bodies with whom information received under the act can be shared.
This bill will allow board members to establish continuity and build greater corporate knowledge over the course of their term. It will also allow for more efficient use of training resources as we expect turnover to decrease.
The second proposed amendment in the bill recognizes that some Indigenous self-government agreements contemplate the authority to enact laws in respect of social assistance and will allow the Government of the Northwest Territories to share relevant information with them.
With that, I am pleased to answer any questions Members may have. Thank you, Mr. Chair.