Mr. Chairman, it has been pointed out before that the justice system, and the way in which the system is directed to deal with young offenders, has been largely in place, in the absence of any input from, certainly aboriginal people, and northern people. There are two aspects to it.

When young offenders have been dealt with in the justice system, one is generally some sort of fine is given to them. The other is, they are sent sometimes to facilities that are designed, and set up, for young offenders who are sentenced to a certain period of time.

It is our suggestion to communities and I pointed it out a little bit yesterday, in places like Fort McPherson, Fort Good Hope and other communities, to develop, and suggest, alternatives directly to the judges, and to work out arrangements with the judges at the community level, as to what they recommend be done in dealing with young offenders.

The department, itself, does not have a specific suggestion, to say here is what we think we should do, other than to say that the community can set up, for instance, youth justice committees, a council of Elders, or just a council of community leaders, that can sit in the courts, take part in the proceedings, advise the courts as to what they recommend, and what they are willing to do to take responsibility for those young people. That is the response I hope the Member is expecting, and that is what he wanted to hear. Mahsi.