Committee of the Whole, Bill 16, Write-off of Debts Act. At this time I’d like to ask the Minister sponsoring the bill if he has any opening comments. Mr. Miltenberger.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m here to introduce Bill 16, Write-off of Debts Act, 2008–2009.
This bill authorizes the write-off of debts listed in the schedule of the act. Pursuant to section 24 of the Financial Administration Act, Legislative Assembly approval is required for the write-off of government assets or debts exceeding $20,000. Pursuant to section 82 of the Financial Administration Act, the write-off of debts owed to a public agency exceeding $20,000 and the write-off of debts owed to the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission exceeding $50,000 must receive Legislative Assembly approval.
The write-offs being proposed in this act will not require a new appropriation. They will be charged against allowances for bad debts that were established in department budgets at the time it was determined that collection of the debt would be unlikely.
I wish to emphasize that the write-off of a debt does not relieve a debtor of the liability for repayment. The government will continue to attempt to collect the outstanding amount. Through continued reviews by staff, future recovery of the debt may still be achieved. In addition, in the case of debts owed by companies, staff will track the principals of each firm for future credit reference.
That concludes my opening remarks. I would be pleased to answer any questions Members may have.
Thank you, Mr. Minister. At this time I’d like to ask the standing committee who reviewed the bill if they have any comments on the bill. Mr. Abernethy.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Standing Committee on Government Operations reviewed Bill 16, the Write-off of Debts Act, 2008–2009, at a meeting on October 3, 2008.
Following the clause by clause review a motion was carried to report to the Assembly that Bill 16 is ready for consideration by Committee of the Whole.
This concludes the committee’s general comments on Bill 16. Individual Members may have comments or questions as we proceed.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. At this time I’d like to ask the Minister if he’ll be bringing in any witnesses.
Yes, Mr. Chairman.
Is committee agreed the Minister bring in his witnesses?
Agreed.
Sergeant-at-Arms, could you escort the witnesses in, please.
For the record, Mr. Minister, could you introduce your witnesses.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have with me Margaret Melhorn, deputy minister of Finance, FMB, and Ms. Louise Lavoie, assistant comptroller general, Finance, FMB.
Thank you, Mr. Minister. Welcome, witnesses. At this time I’d like general comments in regard to Bill 16.
Interjection.
Does committee agree to go clause by clause?
Agreed.
We’ll move to deal with Bill 16, Write-off of Debts Act, 2008–2009. We’ll move to page 3, Schedule, Debts Written-off, Total: $424,708.95.
Bill 16, Schedule, Total Debts Written-off: $424,708.95, approved.
To the bill as a whole.
Bill 16 as a whole approved.
Does committee agree that Bill 16 is ready for third reading?
Bill 16, Write-off of Debts Act, 2008–2009, approved for third reading.
Bill 16 is now ready for third reading.
Sergeant-at-Arms, could you escort the witnesses out.
Mr. Speaker, I seek consent to proceed with the third reading of Bill16, Write-off of Debts Act, 2008–2009.
Bill16 has had third reading.
Motion carried; Bill 16, Write-off of Debts Act, 2008–2009, read a third time.
