Debates of August 21, 2007 (day 14)

Agreed.

Clause 109.

Agreed.

Clause 110 to 112.

Agreed.

Clause 113 and 114.

Agreed.

Clause 115 to 120.

Agreed.

Clause 121.

Agreed.

Clause 122.

Agreed.

Clause 123.

Agreed.

Mahsi, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, the Liquor Act. I move that clause 124 of Bill 15 be deleted and the following substituted:

124.(1)

Every person who contravenes section 74 is guilty of an offence and liable for summary conviction

(a) if an individual,

(i) for the first offence, to a fine not less than $500 and not exceeding $25,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both, and

(ii) for each subsequent offence, to a fine not less than $1,000 and not exceeding $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both; and

(b) if a corporation,

(i) for the first offence, to a fine not less than $1,000 and not exceeding $50,000, and

(ii) for each subsequent offence, to a fine not less than $2,500 and not exceeding $100,000.

(2)

Not withstanding subsection (1), every person who contravenes paragraph 74(c) by selling or offering to sell liquor to a minor is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction

(a) if an individual,

(i) for the first offence, to a fine not less than $1,000 and not exceeding $50,000 or to imprisonment not exceeding one year or to both, and

(ii) for each subsequent offence, to a fine not less than $2,500 and not exceeding $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both; and

(b) if a corporation,

(i) for the first offence, to a fine not less than $2,500 and not exceeding $100,000, and

(ii) for each subsequent offence, to a fine not less than $5,000 and not exceeding $200,000.

(3)

A court that makes a probation order upon the conviction of the accused for a contravention of section 74 shall prescribe, as a condition of that order, that the accused cannot consume or possess liquor, subject to such exceptions as the court may specify.

(4)

For the purposes of subparagraphs (1)(a)(ii) and (b)(ii), a conviction for a contravention of paragraph 74(c), referred to in subsection (2) is deemed, for greater certainty, to be a conviction for a prior offence. Mahsi, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The motion is order. To the motion.

Question.

Question is being called. All those in favour of the motion? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried.

Clause 124, as amended.

Agreed.

Clause 125.

Agreed.

Clause 126 to 128.

Agreed.

Clause 129 to 132.

Agreed.

Clause 133 to 135.

Agreed.

Clause 136 and 137.

Agreed.

Regulations, clause 138.

Agreed.

Transitional, consequential amendments, repeal and commencement. Transitional, clause 139.

Agreed.

Consequential amendments, clause 140 to 142.

Agreed.

Repeal, clause 143.

Agreed.

Commencement, clause 144.

Agreed.

To the bill as a whole, as amended.

Agreed.

Agreed. Thank you. Does the committee agree that Bill 15, as amended, is ready for third reading?

Agreed.

Bill 15 is now ready for third reading, as amended. Thank you, Minister Roland and his staff.

---Applause

Thank you, committee. We are now on Bill 6, Workers’ Compensation Act. At this time, I would like to ask the Minister responsible for the WCB, Mr. Krutko, if he has any opening remarks.

Yes I do.

Go ahead, Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Chair, I am pleased to speak to Bill 6, Workers’ Compensation Act, which gives the Northwest Territories progressive workers' compensation legislation and replaces the existing Workers' Compensation Act.

Act Now, a report generated by the Legislative Review Panel, made recommendations to amend outdated provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act. In 2004, the Workers' Compensation Act was amended to address more than 70 percent of the recommendations. The second phase would address those remaining recommendations.

Following the implementation of the phase I amendments, the Workers' Compensation Board conducted further consultations and research. The result of this consultation and research is Bill 6. This now brings phase II to a close.

Bill 6 repeals the current Workers' Compensation Act. The old act will be replaced with legislation that uses clear, simple language. To better reflect the needs of northern stakeholders, the legislation is required for a more user-friendly way. The bill also clarifies the accountability of all parties in the workers' compensation system through clearer designation of their roles and responsibilities. The bill specifies who is responsible for what area and to whom they are accountable for their actions. The rights of worker and employers are also recognized.

The Workers' Compensation Board's name will be changed to Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission. This name change reflects the need to avoid injuries in the first place by emphasizing safety and prevention.

The bill provides for increased benefits to surviving spouses, seasonal workers and new workers. The changes also provide the board added flexibility in calculating benefits to be more responsive to the individual needs of injured workers.

Bill 6 reflects the fundamental shift in Canada's attitude toward workplace injuries and illnesses. Workplace injuries and illnesses must not be accepted as part of our working lives. Every workplace injury can be prevented if safety is the first priority.

I would be pleased to answer any questions the Members may have on this bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair.