I had another question for general comment, Mr. Chairman. Sometime ago there was an advisory committee made up of elders and people with respect to assisting the Yellowknife Correctional Centre on the inmate population. Is this committee still in existence for the Yellowknife Correctional Centre?

I wanted to make another comment, Mr. Chairman. The Yellowknife Correctional Centre has always had the reputation of being over populated. It appears that it is very difficult now with different crimes in comparison to years ago when most of the crimes were, not only alcohol related but, mainly break and enters or minor crimes. However, the trend seems to be changing in the territories. I am wondering if the Minister is considering other options for programs with respect to the correctional services. Is he looking at giving any type of consideration toward a penitentiary in the north, where more of the hard core type criminals can be incarcerated in the north?

I wanted to make another comment. We have three correctional centres, the Yellowknife Correctional Centre, the South Mackenzie correctional centre, and the Baffin correctional centre. It seems we try to keep these inmates as close to home as possible, however sometimes the crime committed does not allow for that.

I know of many inmates who have gone to southern penitentiaries and there does not seem to be any type of indication from this government to look at a penitentiary in the north. I would like to know what the Minister's viewpoints on this particular issue are to avoid sending inmates south. Thank you.