Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, January 22nd, 2004, I will move the following motion: NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that the rules of the Legislative Assembly be amended by rescinding Rule 85(2) and substituting the following:

(2)

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight shall;

Review issues which have government-wide implications, including the overview of the budget and fiscal framework;

Review multi-year business plans, budgets and those of the department of the Executive, including the Executive offices, the Financial Management Board Secretariat, the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and the Department of Finance;

Consider the budgets and financial management of any other boards and agencies that are outside the responsibility of any standing committee;

Examine the reports on the annual financial statements and public accounts of the Government of the Northwest Territories and the report of the Auditor General.

(i)

In the event that the Assembly is not in session the Speaker may provide the Auditor General’s report and the Minister of Finance may provide public accounts to the committee for review, which may include public hearings in advance of tabling;

Review government reports on financial and performance results on program and policy evaluations to ensure anticipated outcomes are being achieved and accountability is maximized;

Review, as necessary or appropriate, the annual and other reports of statutory offices of the Legislative Assembly, including the Commissioner of Official Languages, the Conflict of Interest Commissioner, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, the Equal Pay Commissioner and the Human Rights Commissioner;

Coordinate House business, scheduling and planning in cooperation with appropriate Cabinet representatives; and,

Consider any other matters referred by the House.

AND FURTHER that Rule 85(3) be rescinded and the following substituted:

(3)

The Standing Committee on Governance and

Economic Development shall consider the

following matters with respect to the

departments of Public Works and Services,

Municipal and Community Affairs,

Resources, Wildlife and Economic

Development, and Transportation:

Review multi-year business plans and budgets, bills, and boards and agencies including the Workers’ Compensation Board, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, the NWT Development Corporation, the Business Credit Corporation and the Public Utilities Board;

Review departmental performance, including that of boards and agencies; and,

Consider any other matter referred by the House.

AND FURTHERMORE that Rule 85(5) be rescinded and the following substituted:

The Standing Committee on Social Programs shall consider the following matters with respect to the departments of Health and Social Services, Education, Culture and Employment, Justice, and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation:

Review multi-year business plans and budgets, bills, boards and agencies, including the Status of Women Council, and programs for Seniors, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities;

Review departmental performance, including that of boards and agencies; and,

Consider any other matter referred by the House.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today. Thank you.