The third return is to a question that was asked by Mr. Lewis on March 27, 1992, regarding the Minister's relationship to the work of the youth justice committee. The Young Offenders Act, section 91 (1), states, "The Minister or delegate of the Minister may establish one or more committees of citizens, to be known as youth justice committees, to assist in any aspect of the administration of this act or in any programs or services for young offenders."
The Minister appoints a person to be a member of the committee and has the power to revoke that appointment. In most instances, the Minister receives recommendations from the community on whom to appoint. The process of establishing a committee is flexible so that the committee structure can adapt to the needs of the community.
The Minister is kept in touch with day-to-day operations of the committees through community social service workers and community corrections specialists. These workers may act as advisors with the youth justice committees, who also receive help from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
It should be noted that the Department of Social Services operates at an arm's length distance from the youth justice committee, thus allowing an appropriate degree of autonomy of decision-making, as is the intent of the legislation.