Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude all Ministers' statements filed with the clerk today.
---Unanimous consent granted
[English translation not provided.]
Mr. Speaker, the GNWT's Land Titles Office is responsible for recording and maintaining the validity and security of all land titles information in the Northwest Territories. These public records have previously only been available during office hours and, if requirements were needed to view the actual file, these files could only be examined in person at the registry office.
In order to allow citizens throughout the Northwest Territories the ability to review land titles documents where and when they need them, the Department of Justice has developed and launched an online solution that will allow access on a 24/7 basis from any computer.
The newly designed online Northwest Territories Land Titles System allows the user to view the registered documents as if they were being viewed at the registry office. The system is fully bilingual, in French and English.
The ability to view these documents is valuable to lawyers, surveyors, and land administrators, as well as the public, so that they can verify the ownership of privately owned surveyed lands and determine who holds an interest in the lands. As this information is relied upon mainly in real estate transactions, the need for reliability is of utmost importance.
The new online system provides easy 24-hour-a-day access to information about any parcel of land that is registered with the Land Titles Office. This includes access to certificates of title, plans of survey, and associated documents. These documents can be downloaded and printed immediately.
The ability to search online will save thousands of dollars in time for professionals and for people who previously had to physically search files. Residents of our smaller communities will have the same immediate access to the system. For those who need or would prefer to work with the registry in person or by phone, fax, or email, staff will still be available to assist.
Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Land Titles System was launched on May 21, 2019, and I hope I got that date right in French but if I didn't, that is the date, and is operating smoothly. User uptake has been very good, with over 200 registered users to date. Feedback from members of the public and professionals has been positive, and many stating that the new method for access is a vast improvement.
The Department of Justice is committed to improving the way we provide services in the most efficient and effective way possible. This includes ensuring that our residents have the same level of access to the information that they need no matter where in the NWT they reside. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.