Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I just wanted to take an opportunity to seek some clarity and understanding and ultimately seek reassurance that the spirit and intent of this program has not been affected. My understanding, with the previous speaker recalling Mr. Simpson, stated very clearly that vision that the groups had in terms of coming together, in terms of trying to address the very big issue of family violence in NWT. The program that was conceived, developed, and established was operating ineffectively and unsuccessfully, from my understanding.
The recent meetings with some of the people who work on the front lines, I was very disappointed that the program had tanked and, in a sense, it is demoralizing that perhaps the initial vision of the program has dramatically changed. I understand the sense for keeping programs and funding resources in the stream of being uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be systemized so much where it becomes very stringent. It discourages people from taking a step to seeking help.
From my understanding, that is what it was and that is what it came to be. After its assessment evaluations, there are some recommendations and changes that were implemented. It went to RFP, and a lot of the groups that could have perhaps put their name forward were discouraged. I was deeply disappointed to see, perhaps, just the diminishing of the program when it was first originally started. What I am seeking from the Minister is if he could explain this question that was asked. I want to understand and seek some reassurances that the original vision of A New Day, with input from, as an example, the Coalition of Family Violence. A lot of the NGO organizations have played a hand in developing the initial vision. They know the philosophy behind that. I wanted to have the Minister explain: are those features still intact as we go forward with entering a new stage with the John Howard Society? Mahsi.