Thank you, Mr. Speaker. An interdepartmental committee consisting of members of the departments of Health and Social Services, Education, Culture and Employment, MACA, Justice and the Executive are working on this initiative. The committee expects to complete its assessment of the feasibility of a specialized court by March 31, 2013, at which point I’ll will be coming to committee to share the findings as well as the options that exist, and looking for committee’s support on moving on one of those options.

The judiciary has expressed a significant interest in a specialized court but had some reservations about the nature and the type of court. They seem to be more interested in a broader approach taken similar to a wellness court as opposed to a specific mental health court. We are looking and talking to them on a regular basis. We are looking and talking to the committee on a regular basis to find out what those needs are, what the desires are, and we will be bringing that to committee once it’s completed on March 31st. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.