Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. On November 22, 1992, the Minister of Justice tabled Tabled Document 19-12(3), the 1992 Master Plan for Corrections Service Division. This report was prepared by a Vancouver consulting firm, the Apra Group Incorporated, in August, 1992. This report examines the existing system of corrections and justice in the Northwest Territories and goes on to list the number of needs apparent in that system. It then makes a number of recommendations. The report suggests two alternative service delivery models. Model A advocates the retention of the existing institutional base system with a number of capital upgrading and expansion proposals. Model B advocates a community-based system with emphasis on alternatives of incarceration while also recommending capital upgrading and expansion of present facilities. The report also examines and compares the advantages and disadvantages of both models and recommends model B as the preferred option.
The report is scathing as to the inadequacies of the present system. The number of inmates is increasing beyond what anyone had anticipated and the existing facilities and corrections system must be vastly improved. The recommended model concentrates on community justice and open custody instead of institutionalization. It offers alternatives to incarceration using jail only in the most serious of cases. It advocates a holistic approach to treatment while offering more sentencing options.
Mr. Speaker, I support some of the recommendations of the report, especially references to strengthening and utilizing community justice committees and systems. For changes to be made and to become effective there must be commitments from the corrections and justice system, and corresponding commitments by communities and regional organizations to practice the method of community corrections.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue.