Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm here to present Bill 52, Elevators and Lifts Act.

Bill 52 was introduced in the Legislative Assembly during the May/June 2022 sitting. The Elevators and Lifts Act creates a statutory framework for the regulation of elevating devices that addresses all components of these complex systems here in the Northwest Territories. This includes several key elements of public safety.

Every other Canadian province and territory regulates elevators and lifts through either a dedicated Act or a regulation. The Government of the Northwest Territories currently regulates "elevating device" under the electrical protection regulation of the Electrical Protections Act. Under this existing legislation, the GNWT has limited authority to regulate the non-electrical components of elevators, lifts, and amusement rides. The proposed Act fixes that gap, and it addresses how these devices will be installed, maintained, and inspected, creates simplified appeal process. Key to these features are effective registry, inspection, and enforcement systems. Public safety is the cornerstone of this proposed act which will provide important legislative clarity for industry and government and transparency to the public on the safe operation and maintenance of elevating devices they use. Most NWT residents will not notice any changes in how the act impacts them and the regulation of elevators and lifts.

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment has reviewed the act. Committee made recommendations to the annual report public and to ensure public access to the registry information. I have committed to address these recommendations as well as to provide committee with the opportunity to review the bill. I thank SCEDE for their work in the review of the bill. I look forward to Members' comments on the bill and answering any questions Members may have.