Louis Sebert

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 773-18(3): Third Party Sexual Assault Reporting." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I see from my notes that the fees became effective in 1994, so it is approximately 25 years. Yes, this is an increase in fees, but it is nowhere near the land transfer tax that was contemplated earlier. I think this is a reasonable compromise. It is a fairly low increase over a period of three years, and clearly, if you are buying a more expensive house, you pay more fees. I think that is fair. I think this is, as I say, a reasonable compromise. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Approximately 25 years.

These are fees to increase revenue. There are certain fees charged by the government that are cost recovery. Thank you.

I might ask Mr. Aitken to help me with this, but I believe that it is going to be about $500,000 after the three years.

Yes, that's correct, Mr. Chair. Thanks.

The fees had not been changed in many, many years, and we thought it wise to update the fees.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. To my right is Mr. Mark Aitken, assistant deputy minister of Justice. To my left is Ms. Laura Jeffrey, legislative counsel. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to be here today to discuss Bill 58: Justice Administration Statutes Amendment Act. This bill proposes to make targeted and necessary legislative amendments to acts that support the justice system in the Northwest Territories.

This bill amends various statutes administered by the Department of Justice to:

repeal provisions of An Act to Amend the Children's Law Act and amend the Children's Law Act to establish a recalculation service;

amend the Coroners Act to clarify the responsibilities of the Chief Coroner and coroners in respect of inquests and authorize the...

Of course, if the value of your house is a lower amount, then the fees are lower, too. A fee on a $300,000 house is higher than it would be on a $250,000 house. If you bought at $300,000 and paid a fee then and then someone else buys the house or you buy another house at $250,000, you are going to pay less than you would have. The point is the fees are based on the value of the property or the size of the mortgage. If the market is in decline, we will be collecting fewer fees. Thank you.