(Translation) Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. On a recent visit to the North Slave Correctional Centre, I met with inmates from Tlicho community and we discussed various programming being delivered at the centre. It was apparent that the majority of these programs did not reflect the needs of Tlicho inmates and highlighted the need for programs in the Tlicho speaking residents. In a facility like North Slave Correctional Centre, there are many challenges that inmates face on a daily basis. A challenge that they should not have to struggle with is language barriers.

Mr. Speaker, during my visit I couldn't help but notice that the centre was full-time Chipewyan speaking...(Translation ends)

...communities and we discussed various programming being delivered at the centre. It was apparent that the majority of these programs did not reflect the needs of Tlicho inmates and highlighted the need for programs aimed at Tlicho speaking residents. Mr. Speaker, in a

facility like North Slave Correctional Centre there are many challenges that inmates face on a daily basis. A challenge that they should not have to struggle with is language barriers.

Mr. Speaker, during my visit I could not help but notice that the centre has a full-time Chipewyan speaking person employed who can assist with language barriers some inmates might have. In the centre there must be at least over 20 people who speak the Tlicho language from the Tlicho communities, Mr. Speaker, yet there is no Tlicho speaking counsellor in the facility. These kinds of numbers should demand a full-time Tlicho speaking counsellor to assist with those who might have language difficulties.

Mr. Speaker, from what the inmates were sharing, they were told to be the interpreters when one is needed. Mr. Speaker, this should not be the case. An outside Tlicho speaking counsellor should be brought in to help assist unilateral inmates and that option should be made available to all Tlicho residents.

Mr. Speaker, part of the vision for correction services is the commitment that the correction services shall be the leader of facilitation of holistic healing in a progressive manner that meets the unique needs of offenders and a contribution to a safe community. Mr. Speaker, I'll have questions for the Minister at a later point. Thanks.

---Applause