Madam Speaker, the four inmates that the Member is concerned about were moved to Yellowknife en route to Iqaluit. It was felt, and it is still felt, that as far as the cost is concerned, there was very little difference, at least originally and even after the change in travel, of transportation between their community and Yellowknife and return. The total cost of taking them from their communities and Iqaluit and taking them home. The cost is not much different. The guiding principle we use in placing inmates is to try to place them in a facility that is culturally most relevant and, in these cases, none of the inmates were enrolled in any specific programs prior to them being held in Yellowknife and Iqaluit and, at this time, are engaged in some programming in the correctional facilities in Baffin. All of the inmates in the facilities in Iqaluit are Inuktitut speaking people and most of the staff are fluent in Inuktitut. So it was felt that in the interest of programming and placing inmates in the most culturally fitting environment, Iqaluit would be the place and that has been the reason for the location. Thank you.
Stephen Kakfwi on Question 308-12(5): Decision On Placement Of Inmates
In the Legislative Assembly on March 16th, 1994. See this statement in context.
Return To Question 308-12(5): Decision On Placement Of Inmates
Question 308-12(5): Decision On Placement Of Inmates
Item 5: Oral Questions
March 15th, 1994
Page 634
See context to find out what was said next.