I think the Member is asking a question that is probably at the forefront of many people's minds, what can we do when we're so busy and what kind of support can the government give in that context? The community justice task can provide money for justice committees to operate. We can provide a small honorarium and a small operating budget. If there are specific community justice initiatives being suggested by groups within the city of Yellowknife, we will sit down and try to work out an arrangement for everyone.
The other question the Member raised is an important one. We are so busy, what can we do? In many of our communities, that is the question that many, many people ask. They have a job during the daytime, and they help implement claim settlements in the evenings and during the weekends. They have so many things going on that they wonder what they can do to intervene in the troubled lives of their teenagers or their relatives. It is a tough question. I would say that is the kind of question that youth justice committees and justice committees grapple with.
Are there suggestions they can make to the city of Yellowknife so they can be a positive intervener in the work that needs to be done to reach out to young people who are on the brink of getting into a life of crime and for young offenders who have already committed offences? Is there something civic leaders can do to bring them back to reality and let them know people care, that we want to help, that there are no judgement calls being made on them, and that there is a need to recognize that people deserve respect?
There are aboriginal organizations in the city and there is the business community, and I think they would be great elements to bring into the justice committee work starting up in the city. If the committees know city council would be happy to help with interventions and that the business community would be glad to work hand-in-hand with young offenders who are busting into their businesses and making off with some of their goodies, that would be good. There may be some positive elements in the thinking the Member is suggesting. Thank you.