Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last Friday, I spoke on the subject of electronic monitoring of prisoners. This alternative to traditional jails allows those convicted of non-violent offences to serve their sentences at home. I note that I am not the only one who thinks this is an idea worth implementing. Monday's News/North included an editorial which agreed with me that any solution which could reduce overcrowding in our jails and save money is worth a closer look.
When I questioned the Minister of Justice on the subject on Friday, he responded by saying that electronic monitoring wouldn't be practical in the Northwest Territories. I can appreciate that immediate savings in such a program might not seem worth the initial expense, but there are a number of factors to consider. For example, our jails right now are running at almost 30 per cent over capacity. This problem is projected to get even worse very quickly. If electronic monitoring means we don't have to spend scarce dollars on new jails or if it means we can avoid an incident such as the riot at Manitoba's jail in April, it will probably prove very worthwhile in the long run.
I recognize our potential problems with implementing this technology. We don't have a large inmate base compared to other jurisdictions. We would probably not be able to have 60 or so inmates on this program at any one time. Long distance telephone calls are an important part of the program, As we all know, these costs are high up here.
Many northerners' homes don't even have telephone access. Inmates on an electronic monitoring program need support to successfully complete the program. We don't always have all the support and resources we need for our inmates. Similarly, supervisors can't just drive from Yellowknife and visit, whereas supervisors in BC's program can from their offices.
This government has much of the concept of community empowerment and community justice. Non-violent inmates who need to serve short or intermittent sentences might need only minimal or community support using the same resources intended for community wellness and justice initiatives. Local elders and other people could prove to be an effective source of limited supervision and other support. Staying in the community would save travel dollars and would allow those convicted of relatively minor offences all the benefits of remaining in their community. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.