Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. John Ningark on May 8, 1996, with respect to transfer of justice responsibilities to communities.
Mr. Speaker, this government has, for some time, been committed to empowering communities to undertake greater responsibility for justice. We are heartened to note that, during the past three years, communities and their justice committees in the Natilikmiot have already undertaken alternative measures for young offenders. They have provided advice to Corrections Canada and to our corrections division on the parole and early release of offenders from jail and have taken a lead role in developing program proposals. We are informed that those community justice committees are preparing themselves to become more active in Justice of the Peace Court and to also take a role in assisting Territorial Court. They have expressed clear interest in the promotion of support groups and healing activities. It is gratifying to note that communities across the Northwest Territories are taking more and more responsibility for the administration of justice and we encourage all citizens to support these efforts in every possible way.
To foster greater community direction and involvement in the administration of justice, the Department of Justice maintains community justice specialists in each region who respond to the training and resource needs of communities. Furthermore, contribution funds are annually made available to communities to support community justice initiatives. The Department of Justice is currently proceeding to contract, on a per them basis, with individuals across the North to provide supervised accommodation for young and adult offenders in homes and outpost camps. We are aware that the community of Gjoa Haven and its neighbours wish to have a traditional skills and cultural camp established in the area for the purpose of treating offenders. We will be assessing the needs of that area and the funds available and will address the request of Gjoa Haven before the summer is out.
As the Premier has indicated, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with Mr. Ningark to discuss this issue further. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.