Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as most Members are aware, the Honourable Chief Judge Robert Halifax recently retired after 26 years of distinguished service to the residents of the North.

Mr. Speaker, most people from Hay River and Yellowknife and other parts of the country gathered to honour Robert Halifax this past Saturday, including the honourable Minister Roger Allen, Minister of Justice. A common theme for the evening, Mr. Speaker, was the relationships with the people in all of the communities south of the lake that Robert was able to establish as the resident judge based in Hay River.

Mr. Speaker, Judge Halifax served the communities of Hay River, Fort Smith, Fort Resolution, Fort Providence, Fort Simpson and Fort Liard. In addition he served Trout Lake, Nahanni Butte and Wrigley as needed.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that a resident judge based in Hay River is essential to establishing continuity both within the justice system and within the communities that are served. A resident judge is able to establish relationships with the people they serve. A resident judge will get to know the families involved and the people's backgrounds which, I believe, is key to an effective judicial process.

Mr. Speaker, the loss of a judicial presence in Hay River and indeed south of the lake, will lead to the public perception of being remote and removed from the justice system. We simply cannot allow this to happen.

Mr. Robert Halifax was instrumental in establishing the Justice of the Peace program in the North. The Justice of the Peace program has proven to be a tremendous success over the years. There are a number of long-serving justices of the peace south of the lake. A resident judge for Hay River is essential to ensuring this valuable program continues.

Mr. Speaker, Hay River is a vibrant, growing community. We need to retain resources in our community and continue to develop our infrastructure. Conversely, Mr. Speaker, this government needs to empower communities and operate within our mandate of decentralization. I believe it is imperative that we as legislators create a sustainable economy with an economic base at the community level.

Mr. Speaker, the support services for a resident judge are firmly established in Hay River. We have all of the infrastructure in place to fully support a resident judge and our location within the South Slave region is ideal. Mr. Speaker, I feel it is incumbent on the Minister and the Department of Justice to ensure that the needs of the residents...