Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee regrets the circumstances that have led to the announced closure of the Dene K'onia Young Offenders Facility in Hay River.
Changes in federal legislation have meant a significant decrease in the number of young offenders who receive custodial sentences. We simply cannot justify keeping two male young offender facilities open in the Northwest Territories. Other jurisdictions in Canada have found themselves in the same circumstances and have come to the same conclusion that facilities must be closed.
The usage of the Dene K'onia facility for young offenders is over but that does not mean that the facility cannot be used for another purpose. The committee understands that the Department of Health and Social Services is examining the facility to see if it could be adapted for its purposes. The committee has also heard of a number of community-driven proposals of what to do with the facility. A community-driven solution for the long-term usage of the Dene K'onia facility would be the preferred option for committee members.
Committee members would appreciate being kept informed as proposals to use the Dene K'onia facility work their way through the system.
Investment In Community Justice Programs And Facilities In The Regions
Some members of the committee have expressed concerns that the cuts to the justice program adversely affect those living in the regions and that any new funding for community justice programs does not go far enough in dealing with the needs of the community.
For the number of people incarcerated in our justice system to decrease, some Members see the need to involve communities more in the administration and application of justice. Custodial institutions in larger centres are not the preferred model of justice.
Members will be monitoring whether the layoffs of regional community justice coordinators have a negative effect on the operations of community justice committees over the next business planning cycle.
Residential Tenancies Act
The Residential Tenancies Act is outdated and totally unable to deal with the realities of a rental market in an overheated economy. It is time for the department to renew this legislation for the benefit of renters and landlords alike.
The standing committee understands that the Minister is nearly ready to begin consultation on the need for new legislation and looks forward to further information and timelines prior to the end of the budget session.
Madam Chair, that concludes the report of the Standing Committee on Social Programs review of the budget for the Department of Justice.