Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last week in the House, I raised the issue of the Minister of Justice's intention to make a direct political appointment to the warden's position of the Territorial Women's Correctional Centre.

Mr. Speaker, this issue is still out there. The concerns are still there. In fact, I can communicate to this House that the community is basically in an uproar over this particular matter. The Minister and the government are seen to be totally bypassing hiring processes, bypassing the issue of experience and qualifications, even bypassing the Department of Justice, I understand. Not to mention qualified Northerners who may be out there and would be interested in this particular job.

Mr. Speaker, I would just like to reiterate the concern. This is one of the flagship programs for the Department of Corrections. It has an excellent staff, an excellent warden and reputation, and a program that is the envy of all other jurisdictions in Canada.

By making this kind of direct, political appointment, the Minister is putting that particular program at risk, in my opinion. I have had the community leadership indicate to me, I have had staff indicate to me and many constituents indicate to me their concern about the issue and the fact that this is being done in such a way. When the Minister is here during question period, I want to ask him if he will reconsider and do the right thing, put this position back out to public competition and let the job be won by the most qualified, able and experienced Northerner. Thank you.