Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With respect to the department's plans to repatriate federal inmates, the committee suggests that the department exercise caution in negotiating with the federal government. In light of experience with other devolution arrangements, the federal government must not be allowed to "off-load" its responsibility. Any agreement must be carefully reviewed to ensure that funding is adequate for long-term needs.

The committee noted that the department is requesting $100,000 for renovations to the Yellowknife Corrections Centre. Members are concerned about the relative economy of investing more money in renovations to that facility. The committee would like to see the department consider other options to house those inmates.

Those are the committee's comments. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.