Mahsi. I rise today to speak about the development of justice committees and corrections in the Delta communities. The Gwich'in Tribal Council, which includes the communities of Arctic Red River, Aklavik, Fort McPherson and Inuvik, has submitted a proposal to develop community-based justice systems. These justice committees will, over the next three years, assume the role as advisors, councillors and sometimes social workers. Specifically, some of the duties which these committees may take on are: pre-sentencing and predisposition reports; recommendations on sentencing including diversion from the court systems; and, assisting the development of correction and incarceration methods including, but not limited to, on-the-land programs. The committees will try to seek a reconciliation of the offender with the community by making the community aware of the offender's problem, but not just limited to the crime that was committed.

To reconcile the offender's problem, offenders, victims and various community organizations must be involved prior to court proceedings. During court, the justice committee's presence will assist the judge or justice of the peace in dispensing justice in a manner that is suited to the circumstances, environment and customs of the individual and the community. If alternative methods of incarceration are ordered by the courts, the committee can also seek to organize and ensure that the offender receives proper care and counselling to ensure that a healing process starts.

The proposal submitted by the Gwich'in is a progressive one and, if implemented, will begin the process of healing the communities rather than ignoring the troubles within a community. This government has provided support for the community-based justice system by providing funding and staff assistance and by hiring personnel to assist in the development of the committee. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.