Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will deal with the coroner's office.
The committee appreciated the opportunity to discuss the outcomes rising out of the review of the coroners' office. The committee was generally pleased with the direction the government was taking and commends the department on its decision to implement all of the recommendations. However, there were some concerns that making the chief coroner a contract position could result in higher costs to the department. The committee would appreciate being informed as to the successful candidate for the position of chief coroner and requests evidence that would alleviate the committee's concern regarding increased costs with a contract position.
There was a concern by the committee that there is no mechanisms for dealing with violent repeat offenders, other than having them declared dangerous offenders and imprisoned indefinitely. The committee realizes that the government must act within the parameters of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, the committee urges the Minister to work with federal and provincial counterparts to come up with a solution.
That concludes the report of the social programs committee on justice.