Mr. Chairman, I find it necessary to make some comments with regard to young offenders facilities, not only the one in Fort Smith, but the one in Hay River. I am trying to figure out how to word my comments so that it applies to the capital budget that we have in front of us. Mr. Chairman, there is a considerable concern about these facilities with regard to ensuring safety for the public. I, and many of the communities, believe that since the facilities in Hay River and Fort Smith have been changed to a different type of facility than they were initially intended, there seem to be more breakouts in these types of facilities. I am wondering if there are measures that can be taken. One of the concerns that I had when they were going to do this, was that they would have to modify the facility significantly for it to be compatible to the type of programs they deliver, but there has been no modification. I have noted breakouts both in Hay River and Fort Smith since this triple designation has come into place. I am more concerned for public safety. Some of these incidents, when they have breakouts, could be fatal. We've been very fortunate that no lives have been lost, as yet. What type of system can you put in place to avoid these incidents. Even though you say that there will still be a need for secure facilities, even in the best of worlds, and you can't avoid breakouts, there's got to be some type of system which can be implemented to avoid this in the future and to give comfort to the public, that there are safety measures in place, for the public. So, how can you change it to address this concern?
Jeannie Marie-Jewell on Committee Motion 47-12(4): To Adopt Recommendation 16, Carried
In the Legislative Assembly on December 2nd, 1993. See this statement in context.
Committee Motion 47-12(4): To Adopt Recommendation 16, Carried
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
December 1st, 1993
Page 389
Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha
See context to find out what was said next.