Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to inform this House of two recent conferences sponsored by the Department of Justice in Inuvik and Iqaluit. While these conferences were held at opposite ends of the territories, their messages were the same: the community must become involved in the justice system so that the needs of victims, offenders and public may be met.

The first of these conferences was held in Iqaluit during the first week of this month. It brought together local delegates, leaders and justices of the peace from all of the communities in the Baffin region. There were two parts to this conference. First, the training sessions for justices of the peace to help them better serve their communities. Second, and most important, the discussions about the idea of community-based justice. They included topics such as the use of diversion or alternative measures to deal with crime and disputes, the experiences of victims, the area of addictions and increased roles for elders. Finally, delegates from each community put together a draft plan to improve the delivery of justice in their community. At this time, I would like to commend Judge Beverly Browne and Ms. Marylou Sutton-Fennel, the two organizers of this conference, for their efforts in making this conference a success.

The second conference, which I attended, was held last week in Inuvik and brought together 80 community members and leaders from all Inuvik region communities for two days. Like the Baffin conference, the message was simple: "Without community involvement, justice will remain outside the community." This message was presented during an opening play by young people which dramatized community justice issues. Throughout the conference delegates discussed different ways of getting involved with the justice system, including involving elders and the use of alternative custody homes. The conference ended with a panel discussion between local delegates and officials from federal and territorial departments involved in the justice system. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the two organizers of this conference, Mr. Gary Beattie and Ms. Debbie Walter, as well as all the participants who together made it a successful and inspiring conference.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Justice supports the concept and practice of community-based justice reform. Local people, leaders and elders must become involved in determining the best way to deal with crime and violence. The sharing of information and ideas at these two conferences must be followed by a large amount of hard work by leaders and government officials working as partners. I intend to see this partnership begin. Thank you.

---Applause.