Louis Sebert

Well, I'd like to deal first with the issue of the $500,000 of which I spoke of and which was referenced earlier. It's not as though this will all come from Yellowknife; land transfer in Fort Smith or Hay River would likely also be effected. We didn't want to have a revenue shock, if I can put it that way, on the consumers who would be paying this, so that is why it was decided that a most reasonable approach would be to phase it in over time. As I say, the rates had not been changed in approximately 25 years, maybe slightly more, slightly less, but it has been a long time with no change.

They were already not cost recovery; they were revenue. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

This work will require some time, but it does remain a priority. Understandably, the focus of the department has been on the development of the new act. With the passage of the act, the attention of the department will turn to successfully implementing this work, including the development of new regulations. This work is already under way. Thank you.

Generally speaking, it is expected that the majority of amendments proposed are expected to come into force by April 1, 2020. The department will need to work with other departments and public bodies to prepare for the implementation of the new provisions and provide training as is necessary. Planning for this work has already begun and will remain a priority for the department.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South, that Bill 58, Justice Administration Statutes Amendment Act, be read for the second time.

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 to amend the Children's Law Act to establish a recalculation service;

amend the Coroner's Act to clarify the responsibilities of the chief coroner and coroners in respect of inquests, and authorize the release of the body of the deceased if an investigation is complete;

amend the...

Yes. Based on what we heard, the regulations will be revised to lower the fees related to the processing of access to information requests. The changes being contemplated are: firstly, decreasing the initial fee for general requests from $25 to $10; secondly, providing for 10 free hours of processing for general requests; thirdly, maintaining the charge of $27 an hour for general requests after the initial 10 free hours; decreasing costs of photocopy charges to 10 cents per page; and maintaining personal information charges of $25, but increasing the number of free pages from 100 to 200.

Of...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The comprehensive review of the ATIPP Act involved extensive consultation with GNWT departments, public bodies, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, as well as the public. Feedback received during the course of these consultations, including the IPC's extensive submission, and recommendations identified by the standing committee were thoroughly considered and informed the development of the bill. The amendments will serve to address a number of concerns raised through the comprehensive review of the act. The focus for the department will now be on implementation. I...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize two constituents, Michelle Brown and Sheila Kindred, 2019 Education Hall of Fame inductees. Thank you.

It is currently proposed that the Government of the Northwest Territories, Canada, and the Tlicho Government will sit on the land use planning committee. The general functions and duties of the committee will be the same as those pursuant to the MVRMA. The Wek'eezhii land use planning committee and planning office will develop and recommend a final plan to governments for approval.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My understanding is that, generally speaking, this area is an area of provincial and territorial legislation. I think that the federal government has some role in the insurance industry, but I am told not for personal insurance. I doubt if there has been any effect at that level, if that is the question. I am sorry. I may have lost myself a bit here. I also understand that the federal legislation is before the courts. Perhaps Mr. Aitken can speak to this, Mr. Chair. Thanks.