Mr. Chairman, if the Members felt we had to show a particular dollar figure to communities before we go and talk to them, I am sure it can happen. The problem is that communities will be somewhat distracted by the amount of money we offer because who is going to make that guess. Who is going to make the suggestion that in order for communities to take over justice, here is a $1 million available for all of the communities of the Northwest Territories. That is not going to be realistic. Politically, it could be very much of a distraction. In my view, as we get into the discussions on communities, for instance, assuming more responsibility in the area of justice, that following consultations which would be extensive and does not cost a great deal of money, that these figures will start to show up, perhaps even through a supplementary estimate. At this time, we are not in a position to do this. The Member should be assured that this is not a sign that we are not committed at all to this effort. In fact, it should be understood that what we are saying is very serious. The Members are almost unanimous in their view that a massive change, great changes have to be made in the area of justice. We have taken that view. We are also of the view that we cannot realistically give you a dollar figure to go in it, because we have not talked extensively to communities, yet. We have done some work in organizing workshops, in having meetings with communities and we have done it internally with just the staff and the staff budget that we have. When we start to hit new and extraordinary costs, then these will start to be placed in front of the Members. Thank you.
Stephen Kakfwi on Bill 9: An Act To Amend The Insurance Act
In the Legislative Assembly on September 29th, 1992. See this statement in context.
Bill 9: An Act To Amend The Insurance Act
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
September 29th, 1992
Page 1187
See context to find out what was said next.