Mr. Speaker, we had originally suggested that another open custody facility be opened up in Hay River. As Members know, for a number of reasons we closed that option. The cost of opening a new facility would be in excess of $300,000. In the short-term, it is our view that by turning the River Ridge facility into an open custody facility is the best use of that facility at this time.

There are only two classifications for institutions for young offenders that I am aware of. As far as I know there is no such thing as a maximum secure facility for young offenders. There is either a secure facility or an open custody facility. As the Member knows, River Ridge is a very over built facility with a door which is locked every five feet and has very little human element to it from the inside, but it can be used by removing the number of locks and trying to open it up more. Perhaps, the use of it as an open custody facility will make better use of our limited facilities at this time. Thank you.