Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table a CBC News item posted March 5th, 2026, titled Yellowknife Family Calls for Changes to Medical Travel Policy After Troubling Experience. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. First reading of bills. We'll just take a five-minute break.

---SHORT RECESS

First reading of bills. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to present Bill 46, Prevention of Proceedings that Hamper Expressions of Matters of Public Interest Act, to be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Mackenzie Delta. Pursuant to Rule 8.2(3), Bill 46 is deemed to have first reading and is ready for second reading. First reading of bills. Minister of Finance.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to present to the House Bill 47, Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures) 2026-2027, to be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Finance. Pursuant to Rule 8.2(3), Bill 47 is deemed to have first reading and is ready for second reading. First reading of bills. Second Reading of Bills. Minister of Justice.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member of Hay River North, that Bill 45, Civil Forfeiture Act, be read for the second time.

The proposed Civil Forfeiture Act will provide the GNWT with a way to disrupt the flow of money from criminal activity that is distinct from criminal prosecutions. The proposed bill will authorize the GNWT to pursue civil forfeiture of property obtained by or used in unlawful activity. This ensures that people engaged in unlawful activity do not profit from crime and reduces the likelihood they will engage in further criminal behaviour.

The proposed bill lays out the procedural and evidentiary rules that will apply to civil forfeitures. The proposed bill also sets out rules for managing seized property and for how forfeited funds can be used. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Justice. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? All those abstaining? The motion is carried. Bill 45 has been read a second time and is referred to the standing committee of the Assembly for further consideration.

---Carried

Second reading of bills. Minister of Finance.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, that Bill 47, Appropriations Act, Operations Expenditures 2026-2027, be read for the second time.

This bill authorizes the Government of the Northwest Territories to make appropriations for operations expenditures for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It also sets out limits on amounts that may be borrowed by the Commissioner on behalf of the government, including information in respect of all existing borrowing and all projected borrowing for the fiscal year. It authorizes the making of disbursements to pay the principal of amounts borrowed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Finance. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? All those abstaining? The motion is carried. Bill 47 has been read a second time and is referred to a standing committee -- no. Just read for a second time.

---Carried

Second Reading of Bills. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters, with the Member from Dehcho in the chair.

I now call the Committee of the Whole to order. What is the wish of the Committee? Member for Inuvik Boot Lake.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Committee wishes to consider Bill 34-20(1), the Trespass to Property Act, as well as Committee Report 37-20(1), Standing Committee on Social Development Report on Bill 34, Trespass to Property Act. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Does the Committee agree?

We will take a short break. Thank you, Committee.

---SHORT RECESS.

Okay. Committee, we will now call the meeting back to order. Committee, we have agreed to consider Bill 34, Trespass to Property Act. I will ask the Minister of Justice to introduce the bill.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I'm here today to discuss Bill 34, Trespass to Property Act.

The purpose of the proposed Act is to create a legislative framework that governs trespass to private property, to schools, and to certain types of private interests on public lands such as leases.

The legislation will create a trespass offence, as well as set out certain exemptions and defenses to trespass, forms of giving notice, arrest provisions, and sentences for violations. The Act will outline the rights of property owners and lawful occupiers and the consequences for those found in violation.

The proposed Bill includes significant safeguards for Indigenous rights, including explicit recognition of Indigenous and Treaty rights; ensuring Indigenous and Treaty rights take precedence in the event of conflict; and requiring that the Act be carried out in accordance with any applicable agreements.

The proposed Act is part of the GNWT's commitment to address public safety concerns by deterring potentially criminal behaviour and damage that trespassers may cause. Public engagement has indicated significant support for the legislation.

I would like to thank the Standing Committee on Social Development for the work undertaken to advance motions to improve the bill.

This concludes my remarks, and I would be pleased to answer any questions that Members may have regarding Bill 34. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Minister, would you like to bring witnesses into the chamber?

Yes, Madam Chair.