Henry Zoe

Could I ask the Minister under this section the amendment that is being proposed here, for the Conflict of Interest Act I guess, the definition of spouse. It says under (7), under that section under (b), "a person who has been living together with the member in a conjugal relationship outside marriage for a period of less than two years." Does it mean they have to be together less than two years or more than two years before this amendment applies to them? Maybe I can ask the Law Clerk for either one of them, I guess.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can I ask the Minister how soon can I have word back from his office pertaining to this issue? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If that’s the case, as the Minister indicated that they are working on a transitional plan in regard to land issues, then my constituents shouldn’t be having any problems obtaining Crown land leases in the Tlicho communities or even land reserved for Indians for housing, which is Crown land. So even the Indian Affairs department that deals with land leases should be continuing to use the same process as we have before. Is that the case that the Minister is indicating to me? Thank you.

Thank you. Madam Chair, I can’t see why other Members can’t support this type of motion that we’re putting forward. It doesn’t take away from the intent of the bill. If this motion gets passed, I’m sure the bill will get passed and coming into force is on either of these two dates that are there. So no matter what happens, the bill is going to come, but it will be on the later date. This motion, if passed, also gives comfort to Members on this side of the House that haven’t had an opportunity to explain to their constituents as to why this bill is being passed. So an explanation can be...

I move that the following be added after section 10 of Bill 17:

Commencement

11. This Act comes into force on the earlier of:

a) the day the First Session of the 38th Parliament of Canada is prorogued; and

b) the day the Civil Marriage Act (Canada) comes into force.

Madam Chair, I move that Bill 17 be amended by -- how am I going to put this now -- by inserting:

11. This act comes into force on the day the Civil Marriage Act (Canada) comes into force.

Thank you. Just to follow up on what my colleague is saying; first of all, I guess I want to make a comment. I don’t know why this particular legislation, Bill 17, is a high priority for this government.

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Number one. There are other priorities, like the Wildlife Act, that have been sitting on our books for the last how many years…

You have me really confused now. On the same-sex marriage and unmarried couple, if they are living together more than six months or less than six months or a day or two days, the Conflict of Interest Act would apply to them. If something happens, then they have to fall under that act to determine something. I guess it doesn’t matter how long they live together then. Is that the point under the Conflict of Interest Act?

Mr. Chair, I had a question on clause 1. I wanted some more clarification.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mahsi. (English not provided) Mahsi.

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