Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, it is very interesting. I just received a note from an individual who is in the Yellowknife Correctional Institute. He is complaining they are not being treated fairly. They are being locked up for some 23 hours a day with no reason given on exactly why they have been locked up.
I brought a similar concern to the Minister a couple of weeks ago on an individual who was having emotional problems. After I spoke with him on the phone, he mentioned to me that he is being accused of different things. Yet there are no legal parameters for the individuals to appeal their cases or have someone hear their case. It seems like it is up to the warden or people in the institution to basically go by the book. The concern they get is sorry, we do not have any money to do this.
I would like to ask the Minister what rights do individuals who find themselves incarcerated have to appeal their grievances?
It is interesting this has come by my desk as we are talking about the subject. I for one feel it does have a lot to do with the treatment these inmates are receiving at the present time, due to the program cuts that were put in place by this government.
I would like to ask the Minister what is the process that is in place for dealing with grievances? Also, what is the process for the public, such as MLAs or chiefs or what not, to have an opportunity to speak on behalf of those inmates?