Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to appear today to present the capital budget of the Department of Justice for your consideration. I am sure Members agree that during a time of fiscal restraint it is important that we balance our needs between fiscal responsibility and the concern for public safety that we all share. With this in mind I am requesting 1992-93 capital funding in the amount of $663,000 for the Yellowknife Courthouse renovation project. Mr. Chairman, the project is ongoing and is designed to address the following outstanding security issues within the building:
Firstly, modification and relocation of prisoner holding cells, away from public areas and judges' offices; the addition of young offender holding cells to separate young offenders from adult offenders; provision of adequate witness waiting areas and interview rooms; modifications to territorial court judges' chambers to ensure restricted access to the public; the provision of a secure working environment for maintenance enforcement staff; modifications to improve security of court records and exhibits; the relocation of the sheriff's office to enhance its security role within the Courthouse.
It is anticipated that completion of this project will provide a safe and secure environment within the Courthouse building for both the public and all the various people employed or interacting with the justice system. So I now invite Members to examine this budget. Thank you.