Short title

1   This Act may be cited as the "Columbia River Basin Inquiry Act."

1953-44-1.

Committee constituted

2   For the purposes of this Act, there shall be constituted a committee of not more than ten persons to be called the "Columbia River Basin Development Advisory Committee," the members of which shall be appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council.

1953-44-2.

Chairman of Committee

3   One of the members shall be appointed to be Chairman of the Committee.

1953-44-3.

Remuneration of Committee members

4   (1) The remuneration of the members of the Committee shall be determined by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council.

(2) If any person appointed a member of the Committee is also a member of the Legislative Assembly, he shall not receive any remuneration, but, notwithstanding the provisions of the "Constitution Act," he may accept payment out of the public funds of such sum for travelling and living expenses as may be fixed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, and the acceptance of such sum shall not make such person ineligible as a member of the Legislative Assembly, and shall not disqualify him to sit and vote in the Legislative Assembly.

1953-44-4.

Powers and duties of Committee

5   The powers, duties, and functions of the Committee shall be as follows:—

(a) To determine whether a greater use than is now being made of the waters of the Columbia River system is feasible and practicable in the interests of the people of the Province:

(b) To review the information now available with regard to the water resources of the Columbia River Basin:

(c) To consider and advise upon the recommendations of the International Joint Commission appointed under the Boundary Waters Treaty between Canada and the United States of America:

(d) To recommend policies to be followed by the Province with regard to the future development of the water resources of the Columbia River Basin:

(e) To report to the Lieutenant-Governor in Council as to the merits or otherwise of the application made by the Government of the United States of America to the International Joint Commission for approval of the erection of a dam at Libby, in the State of Montana, one of the United States of America:

(f) Generally to investigate and report to the Lieutenant-Governor in Council all matters pertaining to the development of the water resources of the Columbia River Basin.

1953-44-5.

Other investigations

6   The Committee shall make such other investigations and conduct such other inquiries for the purposes of this Act in such manner as the Lieutenant-Governor in Council may require and direct.

1953-44-6.

Reports and recommendations

7   The reports and recommendations of the Committee shall be made to such Minister as may be designated by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council before the next meeting of the Legislative Assembly following the present Session.

1953-44-7.

Powers to investigate

8   For the purpose of any inquiry held pursuant to the provisions of this Act, the Committee shall, in respect of the investigation, have the like powers as are given to Commissioners appointed under the "Public Inquiries Act."

1953-44-8.

Regulations

9   For the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this Act according to their true intent, and to supply any deficiency therein, the Lieutenant-Governor in Council may make such regulations not inconsistent with the spirit of this Act as may be deemed necessary, advisable, or convenient. All regulations shall be published in the Gazette, and shall have the same force and effect as if incorporated herein.

1953-44-9.

Appointments

10   Such officers, clerks, and employees as are required for the purposes of this Act may be appointed by the Committee.

1953-44-10.

Costs and expenses

11   The costs and expenses incurred in the administration of this Act shall, in the absence of any special appropriation of the Legislature available for that purpose, be paid out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

1953-44-11.