Thanks, Mr. Chair. During committee's consideration of Bill 56, we heard comments raising concerns around "Why doesn't the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act apply to MLAs?" As I understand it, that is not generally the case in other jurisdictions.

There is provision in the code of conduct, the draft as it exists and will be tabled in the House shortly, to ensure that MLAs treat the information they get from their constituents and about their constituents in an appropriate manner. That is how we deal with privacy considerations here and will deal with them in the future.

This motion is to recommend that new MLAs, current MLAs, that they get some training with regard to how to protect personal information about their constituents and that it all be handled appropriately. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. O'Reilly. To the motion.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Mr. O'Reilly.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that this committee recommends that the 19^th Assembly review the code of conduct to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the Assembly and residents. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. O'Reilly. The motion is on the floor and has been distributed. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Thank you, committee. Do you agree that you have concluded consideration of Committee Report 30-18(3)?

Agreed. Thank you committee. We have concluded consideration of Committee Report 30-18(3), Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures Report on the Review of Bill 56: Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act and Draft Code of Conduct. Thank you.

Thank you, committee. We have agreed to consider Bill 56, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 2. I will ask Mr. Vanthuyne as the sponsor of the bill on behalf of the Board of Management to make opening remarks on the bill.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. On behalf of the Legislative Assembly Board of Management, I am pleased to appear before you in a moment's time today with respect to Bill 56: An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 2. Members will recall that this is the second bill to amend this act during the current session. Whereas the first bill, Bill 55, made a number of miscellaneous amendments to the act, the bill before you is focused largely on part 3, which addresses conflicts of interest. Specifically, the bill makes changes to the oaths of office and allegiance sworn by all Members and adds a third oath, the oath of loyalty. The bill also makes provision for the adoption of a code of conduct by the Legislative Assembly which will be enforceable by an Integrity Commissioner who will also carry out the duties of the current Conflict of Interest Commissioner. Finally, Bill 56 clarifies the obligations of Members with respect to the acceptance of personal gifts and personal benefits.

This bill is the culmination of one of the first actions taken by this Assembly in its first days in office and the direction of this Legislative Assembly that resulted from the excellent work and recommendations of the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures.

A number of important amendments were made to the bill at standing committee, which I was pleased to support.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am happy to respond to any questions Members may now have at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Vanthuyne. I will now turn to the chair of the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures, the committee that considered the bill, for opening comments. Mr. O'Reilly.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I have no comments to make at this time. We read the report in yesterday. That is, I think, all we need to do at this point. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. O'Reilly. Mr. Vanthuyne, would you like to bring witnesses into the Chamber?

I would. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Vanthuyne. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses into the Chamber. Mr. Vanthuyne, please introduce your witnesses.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have, to my left, Christina Brownlee, legislative counsel, and, to my right, Tim Mercer, the Legislative Assembly clerk.

Thank you. I will now open the floor to general comments on Bill 56. Mr. Testart.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to speak in strong support of this bill. The ongoing commitment that this Assembly has made to improve its code of conduct and make changes that will allow it to be enforceable and tangible. It gives much comfort to our citizens and those who expect a high standard of behaviour and conduct from their elected officials. I am pleased to stand in support of this important legislation to improve our democratic institutions. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Testart. Any further questions, committee? Seeing none, does committee agree that there are no further comments?

Can we proceed to a clause-by-clause review of the bill?

Thank you. Committee, we will defer the bill number and title until after consideration of the clauses. There are 25 clauses in the bill. We will consider the clauses in groups. Please turn to page 1 of the bill. Clauses 1 to 5. Does committee agree?

---Clauses1 through 25 inclusive approved