This is page numbers 6965 - 7000 of the Hansard for the 16th Assembly, 6th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was assembly.

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Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Reflections On The 16th Assembly
Members’ Statements

August 24th, 2011

Michael McLeod

Michael McLeod Deh Cho

I want to quickly thank my constituents for the support they’ve shown, to all my friends in the communities of the Deh Cho. I will be seeking support for running another term. I will be back in the community starting Friday and be gearing up for the election.

I want to say in closing, best of luck to all my colleagues who are running again and best of luck to all the candidates who are planning to put their names forward.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 4, reports of standing and special committees. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure is pleased to provide its report on transition matters and commends it to the House.

Introduction

As the 16th Legislative Assembly draws to a close,

the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure continues to monitor several ongoing issues and initiatives with long-term implications. The intent of this report is to make the public and Members of the 17th Assembly aware of

work in progress and highlight areas we believe will require the continued attention of our successor committee in the 17th Assembly.

Background

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure includes five Regular Members of the Legislative Assembly. The committee’s role is to consider the following matters with respect to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations; Environment and Natural Resources; Industry, Tourism and Investment; Municipal and Community Affairs; Public Works and Services; Transportation; and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation:

1. review multi-year business plans and budgets,

bills, boards and agencies, including the Workers’ Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, the Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation, and the Public Utilities Board;

2. review departmental performance, including that

of boards and agencies; and

3. consider any other matter referred by the

House.

Transition Issues

Legislation and Regulations

A new NWT Wildlife Act was a major 16th Assembly

initiative. After extensive public consultation and deliberation, committee reported the bill as not ready for consideration in the Committee of the Whole. Reasons for this decision are outlined in the committee’s report. Members encourage the 17th Assembly to build upon the work that was done in developing this legislation to bring forward a new Wildlife Act that has the support of the majority of Northerners.

August 2011 amendments to the Territorial Parks Act contain significant regulation-making authority. The committee’s view is that the public consultation and input from Regular Members would be valuable in developing these regulations.

The Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission renewed its safety regulations in 2009-10. There was public concern with the short consultation period, given the extent of the new regulations and their implications for northern workplaces.

During public consultations on amendments to the Dog Act, the public expressed the need for broader animal welfare protection legislation. The committee encourages the 17th Legislative

Assembly to consider this initiative.

The federal government has proposed extensive amendments to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act. Members encourage the successor committee to discuss this issue with representatives of the northern review boards forum at its earliest convenience.

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to pass the reading of the report now on to the deputy chair of the committee, the MLA for Nunakput, Mr. Jackie Jacobson.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Industry, Tourism and Investment

Arctic Offshore Drilling Review

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources represent the Government of the Northwest Territories as participants in the National Energy Board’s Arctic Offshore Drilling Review. The NEB has scheduled a roundtable meeting in Inuvik for mid-September 2011. It anticipates that phase three of its review, the public report, will be completed by the end of December 2011.

Northern Workforce MOU

ITI has worked extensively to ensure three diamond mines to increase the number of NWT residents working at the mines and develop capacity among local workers. The committee encourages expanding these initiatives to other industrial developments.

Mackenzie Gas Project

In December 2010 the National Energy Board issued a certificate of public necessity and convenience for the Mackenzie Gas Project. In July

2011, Shell announced the sale of its shares in the project. Members have expressed concern about the pipeline readiness and additional costs to the GNWT should the proponents announce a decision to construct in 2013.

Diamond Policy

Industry, Tourism and Investment released its finalized Diamond Policy in 2010. Implementation is a challenge. The committee strongly encourages the reinstatement of the diamond division within Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Exploration and Mining Development

Members suggest that the successor committee monitor the following mining developments:

• Avalon Rare Metals,

• Fortune

Minerals,

• Tamerlane,

• Selwyn

Chihong,

• Prairie

Creek,

• Gah Cho Kue.

The committee received briefings on these developments either from the Minister of ITI or the company itself.

In June 2011 over $500 million in work bids were awarded to oil companies to develop land in the Tulita district. Members suggest that the successor committee monitor these developments:

Prairie Creek

Canadian Zinc Corporation is reaching its final stages of negotiating a socio-economic agreement for its Prairie Creek mine. The SEA is similar to one they negotiated with De Beers and Snap Lake project. ITI has identified the agreement as a transition issue and Members have asked that a briefing be provided to the successor committee.

Energy Priority Investments

The 16th Legislative Assembly has made a $60

million in investment in a range of projects in the areas of energy policy, development, plan and supply, conservation and efficiency, alternative energy, and emerging technologies. This funding expires in 2012-13. Many issues and opportunities remain in this area and the committee strongly recommends the funding be reinstated in the 17th Assembly.

Hydro Strategy

The GNWT has released a draft Hydro Strategy in 2008 that has yet to be finalized. A discussion paper has been distributed to stakeholder groups. The committee believes that many elements of the Hydro Strategy still need development, such as setting realistic targets and creating a vision that includes new projects.

Bluefish Dam Construction

Construction costs for a new dam at Bluefish Lake hydro plant are expected to reach over $37 million with a direct rate of impact at 2.42 cents for customers in the Snare/Yellowknife system. The Northwest Territories Power Corporation provided information on the cost to the committee in the summer of 2011.

Municipal and Community Affairs

Dust Control

Throughout the 16th Legislative Assembly the

committee urged MACA to work with the Department of Transportation and community governments on dust control and main street paving initiatives in small communities. The committee hopes a new program to address this issue will be developed in the 17th Assembly.

Recreational Leasing Policy Framework

This policy framework is a MACA initiative to address problems with squatters in the Yellowknife River watershed and the Inuvik Airport Lake areas. MACA has completed the technical research required for the policy. Recreational leasing is frozen in both areas. The committee’s main concerns with the policy are the need for meaningful consultation with Aboriginal organizations and the delays in the schedule.

Sport and Recreation Funding

Concerns with funding to Sport North and its relationship with the Sport and Recreation Council were brought to the committee’s attention shortly before the dissolution of the 16th Assembly.

Members see an organizational shift taking place, and suggest that MACA undertake a review of the SRC and consider ways to reduce duplication in the programming.

I’d like to hand this back to the chair of the committee of Economic Development, Mr. Ramsay. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Environment and Natural Resources

Water Strategy

Over the life of the 16th Assembly ENR invested

heavily in the development of the Northwest Territories Water Strategy. The federal government is not upholding commitments to water stewardship, and suspended water quality monitoring at stations across Canada in August 2011. Transboundary negotiations, water quality monitoring, and cumulative impact monitoring programs remain serious concerns for the committee.

Greenhouse Gas Strategy

Two members of the current committee monitored climate change initiatives as Members of the 16th Assembly’s Joint Committee on Climate Change. A significant portion of the renewed NWT Greenhouse Gas Strategy is tied to energy priority investments. The Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning has identified carbon pricing as a transition issue for the 17th Assembly.

NWT Housing Corporation

The 2008 Auditor General’s report of the NWT Housing Corporation led to significant restructuring within the corporation. In 2010 the public housing rental subsidy was transferred from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment back to the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. Many clients fell into arrears during the period that the subsidy was calculated separately through the Income Support Program. The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has initiated debt repayment plans. The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is currently undertaking the Shelter Policy review which includes evaluations of its housing choices program and public housing rent scale. The 17th Assembly will be asked to

make decisions on the outcome of these evaluations.

Annual Reporting

Both the Business Development and Investment Corporation and the NWT Housing Corporation have fallen behind in their statutory review and reporting requirements.

Conclusion

This concludes the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure Report on Transition Matters. Members respectfully suggest that our successor committee consider requesting updates on the above matters from committee staff and government, and wish them the utmost success in fulfilling their mandate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

Kevin A. Menicoche

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Standing Committee on Government Operations is pleased to provide its report on transition matters and commends it to the House.

Introduction

Over the course of the 16th Assembly the Standing

Committee on Government Operations has conducted a number of reviews and made a

number of recommendations to government. In many instances the government has agreed with our recommendations and made commitments for which it has not yet fulfilled. The committee is also anticipating government responses to our most recent reports during the August 2011 sitting, which will be the final time that the Assembly meets before dissolution. The intent of this report on transition matters is to make the public, Members of the 17th Assembly, and our successor committee

aware of work in progress.

The Standing Committee on Government Operations’ mandate includes:

• consideration of the multi-year business plans

and budgets, bills, boards, and agencies, and departmental performance of the departments of Executive, Finance, Human Resources, and the Financial Management Board Secretariat;

• to review the official language issues;

• reviewing the reports of the statutory officers of

the Legislative Assembly, including the Languages Commissioner, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, the Equal Pay Commissioner, and the Human Rights Commission;

• examination of the reports on the annual

financial statements and public accounts of the Government of the Northwest Territories and reports of the Auditor General; and

• consideration of any matter referred by the

House.

Review of the Official Languages Act

On May 28, 2009, the committee provided its Final Report on the Review of the Official Languages Act 2008-2009, entitled Reality Check: Securing a Future for the Official Languages in the Northwest Territories. The report, which was the result of extensive research and public consultation, included 48 recommendations. The government has since provided a response to the committee’s report and released the NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan: A Shared Responsibility, in October 2010. As the plan is intended to unfold over 10 years, many of the actions are in progress and have not yet begun. Further, the committees Reality Check report recommends changes to legislation which the government has not yet brought forward.

I turn continued reading of the report over to my deputy chair, Mr. Robert Hawkins.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Menicoche.

Reviews of Reports of the Auditor General

The committee reviewed the following reports of the Auditor General:

• Report on the NWT Housing Corporation: Public

Housing and Ownership Program - 2008;

• Report on Contracting for Goods and Services

in the NWT - 2009;

• Report on Education of the Northwest

Territories - 2010;

• Report on the Northwest Territories Deh Cho

Bridge Project - 2011;

• Report on Northwest Territories Health

Programs and Services - 2011.

The committee continues to monitor the issues identified in the Report on Contracting for Goods and Services. Progress on the issues identified in the Public Housing and Ownership Programs report is being monitored by the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure and progress issues identified in the education report is being monitored by the Standing Committee on Social Programs. All those committees’ respective mandates include oversight of the NWT Housing Corporation and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

The committee anticipates that the government’s responses to its reports on the 2011 reports of the Auditor General will be tabled during the August 2011 sitting.

Reviews of Reports of Statutory Officers

Over the course of the 16th Assembly the

committee made a number of recommendations following its review of the annual reports of the Languages Commissioner, Human Rights Commissioner, and Information and Privacy Commissioner, and continues to monitor the progress on the issues identified.

In May 2011 the committee reported to the Legislative Assembly on the 2009-2010 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner and the Human Rights Commission, and in both cases provided recommendations to the government. The committee anticipates that the government’s response to its report will be tabled in the August 2011 sitting. In addition to its report, the committee supported a formal motion of the House recommending that the government undertake a comprehensive review of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It also expects a response to this motion during the August sitting.

I’d like to pass the final part of the report and its presentation to Mr. Abernethy, MLA for Great Slave.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Hawkins.

Departmental Issues

The committee conducted annual reviews of the business plans and the budget of the departments of Executive, Finance, and Human Resources, and received updates on the initiatives throughout the year. The following were programs and issues that the committee followed especially closely:

Aboriginal Employment Initiatives

The committee is concerned that the numbers of indigenous Aboriginal persons in management positions has not increased over the past decade. The Department of Human Resources is currently in the process of undertaking Aboriginal employment initiatives that we hope will move us beyond this plateau, but there will need to monitor the implantation and success of these initiatives in the future.

Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)

The committee is pleased that the government has made some steps toward reducing the administration burden attached to funding for NGOs. However, there are still significant changes needed, in particular, legislative amendments that will facilitate multi-year funding, and better interdepartmental cooperation and collaboration to simplify the process of dealing with government for NGOs.

Timelines of Public Accounts

The committee has been concerned with the late tabling of the public accounts and has asked the Minister of Finance to address this problem.

Recruitment and Retention

The committee is concerned with delays and difficulties with filling some vacant public service positions and has urged the Department of Human Resources to focus on staff recruitment issues and reduce recruitment times.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth is a critical component of our northern infrastructure and service delivery systems, given the high cost of transportation and remoteness of many of our communities. The committee has urged the Department of Finance to expedite access and more bandwidth in any way possible, and is pleased that the government is proceeding with the Mackenzie Valley fibre optics link feasibility study.

Conclusion

Mr. Speaker, this concludes the Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on Transition Matters. Members respectfully suggest that our successor committee consider requesting updates on the above matters with some committee

staff and government, and wish them the utmost success in fulfilling their mandate.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. The Standing Committee on Social Programs would like to report on transition matters.

Introduction

As the 16th Legislative Assembly draws to a close,

the Standing Committee on Social Programs continues to monitor a variety of important issues and initiatives. Through this transition report the committee wishes to highlight areas Members believe will require continued attention in the 17th Assembly.

Background

The Standing Committee on Social Programs is comprised of five Regular Members of the Legislative Assembly. The committee’s role is to consider the following with respect to the departments of Health and Social Services; Justice; and Education, Culture and Employment.

1. review multi-year business plans and budgets,

bills, boards and agencies, including the Status of Women Council and programs for seniors, youth and persons with disabilities;

2. review departmental performance, including that

of boards and agencies;

3. consider all others referred to by the House.

I’d now like to continue the reading to deputy chair, Mr. Abernethy. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Beaulieu.

Transition Issues

Anti-Poverty Strategy

In the spring of 2010 following a formal formation in the House, the government agreed to begin working on an Anti-Poverty Strategy. A workshop entitled No Place for Poverty was hosted by Alternatives North and the YWCA in 2010. A discussion paper was due in spring 2011, with actions to be considered by the 17th Assembly, but

it is not available to the committee and it is now due in September for inclusion in transition materials. A summary of public input on the issue, “what we

heard from Northerners about poverty,“ was provided to the Standing Committee on Social Programs during the August sitting of the Legislative Assembly. Housing must be an important component of the Anti-Poverty Strategy. The NWT Housing Corporation Shelter Policy review is due to be completed and ready for review on the arrival of Members of the 17th Assembly.

Legislation

Various legislation that would be referred to the Standing Committee on Social Programs has been discussed or proposed to the 16th Assembly. Most

notable are the inclusion of naturopaths and massage therapists in the Health Professions Act and amendments to the Legal Aid Act.

Community-based Programs and Services

The committee is concerned that many programs and services are difficult to assess in the smaller communities. The reason for this is often the lack of presence on the ground. For example, no local police officer, social worker, nurse, mental health worker, addictions counsellor, et cetera. This represents a very serious challenge to the effectiveness of many departmental programs. The one-window approach to accessing government services has been piloted by the Executive department in several communities. An update on the results may be useful to committee members early in the first months of the 17th Assembly.

Family Violence

A great deal of work has been done in recent years by both the GNWT and non-government organizations to reduce family violence in the Northwest Territories. Within government the departments of Health and Social Services; Education, Culture and Employment; Justice; and the NWT Housing Corporation have all had a role in phase II of the NWT Family Violence Action Plan, which comes to an end on March 31, 2012. The NWT Coalition Against Family Violence has completed its final report, which makes 19 recommendations for work to be done in phase III of the action plan. These recommendations warrant the committee’s attention in the 17th Assembly.

I’ll now pass over continued reading to my colleague Ms. Bisaro. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Department of Health and Social Services

Child and Family Services Act Recommendations

A full review of the act resulted in 71 practical recommendations for improving the system. Most were accepted, or accepted in principle, and await funding allocations to complete. Some initial steps

were taken in the 2011-2012 budget, notably to establish child and family service committees in at least five more communities, and to expand the Healthy Families Program.

A number of other recommendations are advanced in the department’s strategic plan 2011-2015. The committee held public meetings in 10 communities. Expectations are high that changes will take place over several years, along with regular reviews of the act.

Auditor General’s Recommendations on Health Programs and Services

The Auditor General of Canada reviewed health services in 2010 and reported to the Standing Committee on Government Operations in March 2011. The report included seven major recommendations for the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Human Resources. The Standing Committee on Government Operation’s report was tabled in May 2011, and included the recommendations that the Department of Health and Social Services update the Standing Committee on Social Programs on the progress of implementing the Auditor General’s recommendations. This update has not occurred, and no implementation plan has been presented to either standing committee. The government’s response to the Standing Committee on Government Operation’s recommendations was tabled on August 19, 2011. The 17th Assembly may

wish to review the progress of the department.

A Foundation for Change

The Department of Health and Social Services has agreed to provide quarterly updates on the challenging task of modernizing and streamlining the Northwest Territories health system, but reminders are often required. The most recent update was provided on August 19, 2011. The Foundation for Change and the draft 2011-2015 Strategic Plan was provided on the same day, and therefore, only a quick review was possible. The strategic plan outlines the principle actions to be taken to modernize and streamline the health system over the next five years, and should be reviewed more carefully by the next committee. With significant changes in the department’s leadership in recent months, a timely update early in the 17th Assembly’s mandate may be

appropriate. Governance of health authorities and their deficits, as well as the Territorial Addictions Treatment Strategy will likely be of particular interest.

Midwifery

The Midwifery Program has never been fully implemented. Service has been temporarily cut back in Yellowknife, but the Department of Health and Social Services continues to be committed to midwifery services in as many communities as is

practical. A model to accomplish this across the Northwest Territories is being developed, to be completed in 2011-2012 for potential inclusion in the 2013-2014 business plan. It is the committee’s view that there should be midwifery services in every community.

Respite Care

In response to pressure from the Assembly, the Department of Health and Social Services is developing a Territorial Respite Care Program for inclusion in the 2012-2013 business plan. The new program will include existing services operating in Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Aklavik, and Deline.

I would like to hand off the reading of the report to my colleague Mr. Bromley, MLA for Weledeh.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Extended Health Benefits

The government’s attempts to modify and expand supplementary health benefits resulted in only minor policy changes, but the Supplementary Health Benefits Policy was rescinded, with program delivery falling back under Extended Health Benefits and Metis Health Benefits. The government deferred including residents who lacked coverage through their employer or other programs. A plan for accomplishing this has not yet been presented.

The Department of Health and Social Services is also developing a Pharmaceutical Strategy to include generic drugs, drug pricing and efficiencies, and cost containment of pharmaceuticals, procurement, distribution, and access. These changes were to be made during the 16th Assembly; a progress update is overdue.

Addiction Services

The need for addiction services figured prominently in the committee’s recommendations in its review of the Child and Family Services Act. Recommendations in this area were conditionally accepted by the government, subject to the availability of resources. There have also been motions in the House supporting on-the-land treatment programs, and discussion of a territorial assessment and treatment facility. It is the committee’s view that there is a wide, general public recognition of the need for improved addiction services. More work is required to determine the best way to deliver these services. There should be a multi-departmental approach to supporting and promoting them. As resources will be required, advancing this work will likely be a critical issue for the 17th Assembly early in its

mandate.

Department of Education, Culture and Employment

Early Childhood Development Review

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment is reviewing its early childhood development programs, and plans to incorporate the results into the Aboriginal Achievement Initiative. This is due to be set out in the 2012-2013 business plan. The Early Childhood Development Framework for Action is due in September 2011 and should be presented to committee early in the 17th Assembly.

Auditor General’s Recommendations on Education

The Office of the Auditor General reviewed the Department of Education in 2009, making nine significant recommendations for improvements in a report presented to the Standing Committee on Government Operations in 2010. It was agreed between the standing committees on Government Operations and Social Programs that the latter would monitor the department’s progress in acting on the Auditor General’s advice. The Minister of Education provided the first seven-page update in August 2011.

Student Financial Assistance Review

The Assembly has passed several motions on student financial assistance, calling for expansion of the program, and increases in allowances unaltered since 2000. The Minister has stated that the program is under review, which is expected to continue throughout 2011-2012. Any proposed changes are to be implemented in 2012-2013.

I’d like now to pass the feather to committee chair, Mr. Beaulieu, to complete the report.

The Speaker

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Department of Justice

Mental Health Diversion

The committee has done preliminary research on special courts across North America where accused persons with mental health issues are diverted from mainstream courts and corrections systems. The goal is for program participants to take responsibility for their actions, and receive treatment and support to deal with their conditions. The results are encouraging, including lowering rates of reoffending among diversion participants. The committee’s research has been forwarded to the Ministers of Justice and Health and Social Services for consideration and further work.

Legal Aid

Along with proposed changes to the Legal Aid Act, there is tremendous need for improvement of legal

services, particularly in the smaller communities and in child protection cases.

Facilities

The Arctic Tern facility in Inuvik was closed on March 31, 2011, but the future of the building remains uncertain, as it required repairs before being put to another use. The Public Works Minister was asked to report to committee on the scope of work to be done and the schedule for new occupancy. The committee may wish to request this update early in the its mandate.

As a result of the closure of Arctic Tern, a planning study was done for a female offenders unit at the Fort Smith Correctional Centre. A final design was approved in January 2011, and the project has been flagged as a priority project in the capital plan, however, no funding was approved to proceed in 2012-2013.

Conclusion

This concludes the Standing Committee on Social Programs Report on Transition Matters. Members extend their best wishes to the next committee when it convenes early in the new year.

I have a motion.

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe

That concludes the Report of the Standing Committee on Social Programs Report on Transition Matters. Therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that Committee Report 10-16(6) be received and adopted.