Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am here today to present Bill 41: The Justice Administration Statutes Amendment Act.
Bill 41 is an omnibus bill -- and yes, we do have omnibus bills in this Assembly -- that advances amendments to three pieces of legislation:
- The Jury Act;
- The Summary Conviction Procedures Act; and
- The Partnership and Business Names Act.
This approach was taken to streamline the process for advancing these three relatively minor amendments in a more efficient manner.
The changes being proposed for the Jury Act will ensure that territorial legislation regarding jury qualification standards match those of the Criminal Code as amended in 2019.
The changes proposed for the Summary Conviction Procedures Act will address three issues. They will ensure that forms of release referenced in the act coincide with the Criminal Code as amended in 2019; that appropriate language is included to fully authorize the prosecution and appeal of territorial offences on behalf of the Attorney General of the NWT; and
That the legislation allows for efficient payment and processing of specified penalties as set out in Summary Offence Ticket Informations.
Finally, the Partnership and Business Names Act will be amended by expanding the definition of "a person" to allow First Nations, or Indian Bands as defined in the federal Indian Act, to be limited partners in a limited partnership for the purposes of the Partnership and Business Names Act.
This concludes my opening remarks, and I would be pleased to answer any questions the Members may have regarding Bill 41. Thank you.