Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am here to present Bill 26, Statistics Act.

The Northwest Territories is the only jurisdiction in Canada which currently does not have statistics legislation that establishes a legal framework for the collection, protection, and dissemination of statistical information.

The purpose of the legislation is to establish a new Statistics Act for the Northwest Territories that will establish the roles and responsibilities of the Bureau of Statistics; outline data collection, analysis, and data dissemination procedures; describe methods to ensure the confidentiality of collected data; create offences and penalties for unauthorized disclosure of data; and provide the ability to enter into data-sharing agreements.

Towards these efforts, the Government of the Northwest Territories has worked closely with Statistics Canada, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, and has engaged with other GNWT departments on the development of this legislation. This legislation will ensure that the NWT is consistent with all other jurisdictions in Canada and aligns with the mandate of the NWT Bureau of Statistics.

That concludes my opening remarks, and I am prepared for any questions Members may have. Thank you, Mr. Chair.