Thank you, Madam Chair. I am here today to present Bill 37: An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Bill 37 is a somewhat administrative bill, proposing three amendments to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, in order to clarify certain provisions.

First, the bill proposes an amendment to the definition of "business day" to account for mandatory leave days during December and January, when GNWT offices, including the Information and Privacy Commissioner's office, are closed. This will ensure these mandatory leave days, in addition to weekends and holidays, are not included in the timelines prescribed under the act.

The bill proposes to remove the words "agency" and "agencies" from the definition of "common" or "integrated" programs. Currently, the term "agency" is used in two different ways in the act, and neither are defined. This change will not affect the purpose of common or integrated programs, which is to allow disclosure of personal information between public bodies to benefit the public. The term "agency" will remain in the act as a type of public body.

Finally, the bill will also clarify the Information and Privacy Commissioner's order-making authority at the conclusion of a privacy review.

This concludes my opening remarks, and I would be pleased to answer any questions that the Members may have regarding Bill 37. And I do have witnesses I wish to bring into the Chamber. Thank you.