The Standing Committee on Social Programs believes strongly in the merits of the wilderness camps in meeting the needs of adult and young offenders. Members were pleased to hear that subsequent to discussions on the interim appropriation, the Department of Justice made the decision to increase the per diem rate by $6.00 per day per offender when out on the land.

From discussions with the Minister and his officials during the review of the business plans and main estimates it was made apparent that the decision to increase the per diem rate was part of an initial review of the Wilderness Camp Program. Committee members appreciated that this first step of increasing the per diem rate for on the land camp operators was made in advance of the finalization of the overall review of the Wilderness Camp Program.

Committee members are of the opinion that the Wilderness Camp Program must have clearly defined program standards that are effectively communicated to camp operators. This relates to a committee concern that the present system may not provide for a level playing field for all camp operators. Members hope that the department's review of the Wilderness Camp Program will provide for program standards and address the funding concerns that many operators have. This also relates to a concern on the part of committee members that the need for defined program standards, coupled with new camps coming on-line, results in inadequate capital funds dedicated to the Wilderness Camp Program.

Finally, the committee thinks that the review of the wilderness camps must include a rationalization component. Allowing competing camps to be set up in the same area does nothing more than ensure the failure of the two competing camps. It is clear that the limited number of inmates and programming dollars also dictates this rationalization of camp placement. Members of the Standing Committee on Social Programs look forward to reviewing the results of the second phase of the Wilderness Camp Program review in September.

Committee members are concerned that there have been no decisions as of yet on which camp operators will be receiving capital acquisition money from the department. It is recalled by committee members, that during the discussions on the interim appropriation, the capital requirements for the wilderness camps were included because decisions on disbursement were imminent.

In discussions with the Minister and his officials it became apparent a decision had not been made because there were two new operators who had not finalized their service contracts with the department within the expected time frame. This would be an acceptable explanation to committee members, if it did not appear to members that a decision had already been made. The committee was made aware of a camp operator in one Member's constituency who had already been refused capital funding for the 2000-2001 fiscal year. This confirms for committee members that it is necessary to establish program standards for the Wilderness Camp Program that provides for a "level playing field".

Committee members would like to thank the Minister and his officials for examining the reasons behind the under-utilization of the Deh Gah Gotie operated adult wilderness camp and providing a written explanation to the committee.

It is hoped that the department will make every effort to encourage suitable adult offenders to take advantage of the programming available through the Deh Gah Gotie Wilderness Camp.