Thank you. There is certain legislation that we have to follow. It then becomes a judgement call of how flexible we could be, and how adaptable we could be in view of the legislation. In view of that, I raise to the Member's attention that there has been a public review of my designation of certain facilities as triple designated facilities. There is a dispute right now about whether that was a proper way to act and whether it contravened something that is my responsibility. There is always a danger that someone will challenge the way we operate, whether we are complying with mandates and legislation which we are legally obliged to comply with. I would certainly like to be the great innovator and bend the rules as much as I can.

There is an area where you really wonder whether you are acting in disregard of the law and where you are putting safety of inmates, young offenders and staff at risk. Those are the kind of things that come out of corrections. There is probably a conservative element attached to that sort of thinking, but there is an obligation for us to consider them. When we put young offenders in these facilities, we have to have some sort of understanding with the people providing the service so we know what these people are doing. We try to negotiate an understanding so everyone knows what is going on. It is a bit troublesome in that there is a sincere effort being made to make sure there is some continuity and support. Primarily, whether it is translated that way or not, we are trying to provide some support to the contractors.

For instance, I know that in some cases the contractors take certain young offenders and in a matter of days call back and say this one shouldn't be here. That is a judgement call of the contractor. Sometimes it is different. They need to work with the department to make sure everything goes well and there is some support. There is a commitment, at least on my part, and we will go as fast and as far as we can go to make sure we don't strangle the operations of the community-based operations because of our requirements, laws, regulations and the need for corrections staff to feel in control of what is going on.