Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday the NWT was witness to yet another scathing report of the Auditor General. This time it was on our corrections system. Members of the 17th Legislative Assembly are not immune to the ever-repeating saga of these types of poor department results, and we have only to reference the past child and family services, income support and daycare reports to familiarize ourselves with what many in this room know all too well.
Shamefully, it is only under the watchful eye and the written investigative powers of the Auditor General of Canada until departments or Ministers divert their attention from inaction to action.
We know the recent failure of this department’s attempt at correction services is now in the hands of committee, and I will leave it up to this committee to do its due diligence and report back to the House. My concern today is not this legislative process before the House but, more importantly, have our own laws been breached by department’s inaction in the wake of such report findings?
If I might quote from the report, “According to the Corrections Act, the Corrections Service Regulations and Corrections Service Directives, the department, through corrections services, is responsible for the administration of correctional facilities, including their safe, secure and efficient operation.”
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Justice by law may “investigate and inquire into any matter connected with or affecting the administration and operation of corrections service or a correctional centre.”
When one reads terminology such as serious deficiencies, have not assessed, did not adequately deliver, did not receive, was not offered, and did not conduct, these are serious words used repeatedly in this report by the Auditor General which point to grievous contraventions in our NWT Corrections Act.
Having great powers over man must come with equal responsibility of conduct. Unfortunately, with much sadness, this Auditor General report of Canada once again shakes the very foundation of trust bestowed on a department and its leadership. Let’s hope for better days to follow for those Northerners in our care.