Okay. As we agreed, the next item we’ll deal with is Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act. With that, I’ll ask Mr. Ramsay if he has any opening remarks in regard to Bill 12.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m pleased to provide opening comments on Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act.
Mr. Chairman, Bill 12 empowers the Human Rights Commission to establish its own rules of procedure and simplifies its annual reporting requirements. The bill transfers the responsibility for hiring and supervising staff from the commission and vests it with the director of Human Rights. The staff become employees in the public service. The amendments empower both the director and the commission to appoint assistants and engage advisors. Finally, the Board of Management of the Legislative Assembly is given a role in the making of certain regulations under the act, and such regulations are to be made in consultation with the commission and the director.
Mr. Chairman, the Human Rights Act is administered jointly by the Speaker, the Legislative Assembly and the Minister of Justice. The Speaker’s role in administering the act is limited to the administration of the Human Rights Commission and the Adjudication Panel. These amendments all relate to that function and do not adversely affect the rights of individuals.
I would be pleased to answer any questions you might have.
Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. At this time I’d like to ask if you’re going to be bringing in witnesses.
Yes, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
Does the committee agree that he brings in his witnesses?
Agreed.
Sergeant-at-Arms, could you escort the witnesses in?
For the record, Mr. Ramsay, could you introduce your witnesses, please?
Mr. Chairman. I have with me Mr. Ian Rennie from the Department of Justice and the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Tim Mercer, to my left.
Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Welcome, witnesses.
General comments in regard to Bill 12?
Detail.
Detail. We’ll move to page 1, Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act.
Clauses 1 through 20 inclusive approved.
To the bill as a whole.
Bill 12 as a whole approved.
Does the committee agree that Bill 12 is now ready for third reading?
Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act, approved for third reading.
Bill 12 is now ready for third reading. With that, I’d like to thank Mr. Ramsay and his witnesses. Could the Sergeant-at-Arms escort the witnesses out?
With that, the next bill we need to deal with is Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act. I’d like to ask the Minister responsible for the bill if he has any opening remarks. Mr. Jackson Lafferty.
