This is page numbers 3639 – 3680 of the Hansard for the 18th Assembly, 3rd 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 going.

Topics

Members Present

Hon. Glen Abernethy, Mr. Beaulieu, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Ms. Green, Hon. Jackson Lafferty, Hon. Bob McLeod, Hon. Robert McLeod, Mr. McNeely, Hon. Alfred Moses, Mr. Nadli, Mr. Nakimayak, Mr. O'Reilly, Hon. Wally Schumann, Hon. Louis Sebert, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Testart, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Vanthuyne

The House met at 1:32 p.m.

---Prayer

Prayer
Prayer

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Good afternoon, colleagues. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Minister’s Statement 46-18(3): Progress Update On Building Stronger Families
Ministers’ Statements

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in October 2014, I tabled in this House, Building Stronger Families: An Action Plan to Transform Child and Family Services. I am pleased to provide an update on our accomplishments on this action plan.

The goal of Building Stronger Families is to improve the quality of child and family services offered by our government, with a view to achieving better outcomes for children and families when they receive services under the Child and Family Services Act.

On April 1, 2016, new amendments to the Child and Family Services Act came into effect. Those legislative changes included a new definition of "youth" and allowed for youth protection hearings and transition plans. In addition, we are now able to extend services for any young adult in permanent care and custody by entering into an agreement for services until the age of 23, to support independent living.

Mr. Speaker, we have also evolved our delivery of mandatory training for child protection workers over the years in response to changes in legislation, leading practices, and recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. One important change in the training was the inclusion of an Indigenous traditional knowledge holder and survivor of residential school to educate child protection workers on the impacts of the residential school system in the NWT and to provide broad cultural oversight for the duration of the training. Our training for child protection workers also includes trauma-informed practice, focusing on strengths, permanency planning, and the importance of nurturing relationships, cultural identity, and connection with community.

The Child and Family Services Standards and Procedures Manual

has also been completely revised to improve and enhance the child and family services system, and to reflect the changes to the Child and Family Services Act. The manual clearly states that child protection workers are to make every effort to work with the family to safely return the child to their care and reunify the family.

To support case management in child-protection and prevention services, we also began implementing structured decision-making tools. With the efforts of our front-line and departmental staff, these tools were adapted to be responsive to the cultural context of the Northwest Territories. These tools help to support the complex clinical decisions child protection workers make every day including:

• How urgently do I need to respond to this report of concern?

• What are these child’s immediate safety needs, and do I need to apprehend this child to protect them?

• What is the nature and magnitude of a child’s risk of abuse or neglect, and what types of services does this family need?

• How will this family’s strengths play a part in their care plan and help to alleviate any safety risks and reduce risks of future harm?

Mr. Speaker, we have also recently launched a new information system for child and family services. The new matrix system went live in October 2017, replacing the old child and family information system that had been in use since 2001 – and pretty much everybody hated. This new information system will allow for increased support for complex work done by child and family services staff at all levels, improved data collection, and quality assurance.

One of the action items from Building Stronger Families was to create an annual report of the director of Child and Family Services. I am pleased to share that. Later today, I will be tabling the Director's 2016-2017 Annual Report, which will also include the years 2007-2008 up to and including 2016-2017.

While positive trends have emerged from the director's report, we are still in the early days of transforming our child and family services system, and we recognize that we still have significant work ahead of us to better meet the needs of children and their families.

Through changes in legislation, training, standards, support tools, and our information system, our government has been strengthening our foundation for the delivery of child and family services in the Northwest Territories. We know that there is more work to be done, but we are looking forward to continuing to advance our mandate commitments in this area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister’s Statement 46-18(3): Progress Update On Building Stronger Families
Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Finance.

Minister's Statement 47-18(3): Canada's Top Employer Of Young People And Best Diversity Employer For 2018
Ministers’ Statements

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Government of the Northwest Territories has been selected as one of Canada's Top Employers in two categories for 2018, Canada's Top Employer of Young People and Canada's Best Diversity Employer.

Mr. Speaker, this is the fourth time the GNWT has been selected as one of Canada's Top Employers of Young People. This prestigious designation recognizes employers that offer the nation's best workplaces and programs for young people who are starting their careers. It reaffirms that the GNWT remains one of Canada's leaders in attracting and retaining younger employees within our organization.

The Department of Finance continues to manage numerous programs and initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities for northern students and helping to provide diverse work experiences for young people. These include the Summer Student Employment Program, which provided valuable work experience to 349 students last summer. This is more students then we have hired in any year over the past five years.

The internship program was recently revised and will now provide support for approximately 70 northern graduates to gain the work experience within the GNWT that will support them moving into permanent placements with our public service.

The Department of Finance also continues to work in partnership with Education, Culture and Employment and other departments to communicate programs and initiatives to northern students to help them set and achieve their career goals. Mr. Speaker, our programs help these young people, but they also help our government. The young people are the future of our public service, and the GNWT is committed to attracting our northern youth to the public service and to providing opportunities for growth and development throughout their careers.

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT has also been selected as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for the sixth time. This recognition places the GNWT among an exclusive group of Canadian employers who have demonstrated a commitment to creating and maintaining inclusive workplaces.

The GNWT has undertaken a number of initiatives to foster a diverse and an inclusive workforce. These include f ormalizing, within the 2018-2019 Main Estimates, our diversity and inclusion unit within the Department of Finance to support our programs and services related to diversity and inclusion.

The GNWT's Advisory Committee on Employability, which provides advice on ways to promote, support, and increase the representation of persons with disabilities in the GNWT workforce, reduce stigma, and foster a spirit of inclusion.

The Indigenous Employees Advisory Committee, which provides advice on ways to help increase workforce representation of Indigenous peoples at all levels in the public service and to create a working environment that supports and promotes Aboriginal employees in the GNWT.

Finally, a range of programs and services related to diversity and inclusion, which includes the Regional Recruitment Program, the new program to add training positions, enhanced training, and awareness campaigns related to diversity and inclusion, and, of course, our Affirmative Action Policy.

Mr. Speaker, while these awards highlight the achievements of the GNWT in these areas, we recognize that there is still more work to do. These awards may be confirmation that government-wide we are taking the right steps to make progress, but we will not stop here. This government will continue to ensure sustained efforts on these fronts. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister's Statement 47-18(3): Canada's Top Employer Of Young People And Best Diversity Employer For 2018
Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Minister’s Statement 48-18(3): Income Security Across The Northwest Territories
Ministers’ Statements

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are continually reviewing and updating our income security programs to make sure that they respond to the needs and realities of Northwest Territories residents. All program changes are made based on research and analysis to ensure that these programs are well-managed and help residents across the North.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment increased the Northwest Territories Child Benefit in July 2017, and we raised the Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit in September 2017. Mr. Speaker, we will soon implement additional improvements that will benefit seniors, income assistance clients, and students.

Starting April 1, 2018, the department will implement enhancements to the Senior Home Heating Subsidy. This subsidy provides financial assistance to low- to modest- income residents aged 60 and older to help meet the costs of heating their homes. With the planned enhancements, more seniors will be eligible for more support to assist with their home heating costs. We are increasing income thresholds, adjusting eligible income limits and subsidy amounts, and moving to a monetary based subsidy. Additionally, we are extending the program to include seniors who rent their homes.

By increasing the income thresholds, extending the program to renters, and ensuring all eligible seniors receive the full subsidy, we believe that more than 300 seniors will be positively impacted.

Mr. Speaker, we have been working hard to make sure that all of our programs are fairly applied to put more money in the hands of those who need it most. Currently, under the Income Assistance program, single clients are eligible to receive up to $900 per month for rental assistance, while clients with dependants are eligible to receive assistance at market rent.

Starting April 1st, we will be extending market rent eligibility to all income assistance clients. Finally, Mr. Speaker, our Student Financial Assistance program is one of the best in Canada. It provides students with financial assistance to pursue postsecondary education, leading to improved career options.

Starting in the fall semester, students with dependents will receive an additional return trip each academic year from their home community to the nearest approved education institution that offers their program. We are also changing the Student Financial Assistance application deadlines so that we can process applications sooner. Students will receive an earlier response to their applications, allowing them to plan their academic year. The deadlines for applications will change from July 15th to June 30th and from November 15th to October 31st, effective this year.

We will promote these changes to make sure students are well-informed. Student case officers will also be available to assist in this transition.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is making these changes to income security benefits in accordance with principles of responsible governance, public accountability, and fiscal responsibility, but our main objective, as always, is to do everything we can to support our students, seniors, and our most vulnerable residents. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

Minister’s Statement 48-18(3): Income Security Across The Northwest Territories
Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Arctic Winter Games Athletes
Members' Statements

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The 2018 South Slave Arctic Winter Games fast approaches. It will be the 25th Arctic Winter Games for the Circumpolar World.

These games will inspire all participants to find their power through a unique and exceptional sporting and cultural experience that Northerners of all stripes will benefit from.

Not only does this provide the opportunity for our young athletes to shine, but it will show off the beauty and unique culture of the South Slave region of the Northwest Territories, the region of our territory that does not get put into the spotlight nearly enough. Every region and constituency of our vast territory will be offering up athletes and coaches to participate in these games, and Kam Lake is no different.

I am proud to say that we have 33 young athletes and coaches coming from Kam Lake to compete this year, such as Joseph Curran, who will be demonstrating his skill in cross-country skiing; or Logan Debogorski, who will be helping Team NWT win in ice hockey; Denae Lafferty, whose athletic ability will be front and centre in volleyball; while Tegan Konge dominates the slopes in snowboarding; and Aaron Wells will be leading our basketball team to victory as its coach.

There must be something in the water other than arsenic because the amount of athletic prowess coming from my riding and from this great city is phenomenal. I would like to congratulate all athletes participating this year, not only from Kam Lake and Team NWT, but from all nations of the circumpolar world. We are showing the rest of Canada and the international community that we have more to offer than just snow. We have some of the most formidable competitors and true athletes in the entire world. Thank you so much for all you do to inspire us.

I would like to give thanks to those who are giving time to volunteer in the South Slave Games. These events are only a success because of the sacrifice and hard work you put into these events. Finally, I would like to commend this government for its continued to support to both our athletes and these games. This continued strategic investment in events like this will help us reap benefits for generations to come, and demonstrates a commitment to our culture, regions, and athletes. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Go Team NWT.

Arctic Winter Games Athletes
Members' Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements, Member for Yellowknife North.

Climate Change And The Economy
Members' Statements

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we all know, climate change is the most significant global challenge we face today. Climate change is fundamentally affecting weather patterns across the globe. We are seeing massive floods, fires, hurricanes, and droughts that have become the new normal. In the North, we see reducing Arctic ice, permafrost damage, significant erosion, low water, species migration, and our worst fire seasons in years. These increasing impacts call upon everyone to do whatever we can to reduce our carbon emissions.

Mr. Speaker, we have fewer options than our southern neighbours when it comes to reliable energy. We have a harsh climate and months of darkness. We need fossil fuels for power generation, for shipping of goods and for extracting resources.

We also have a record of innovation. Our hydro systems provide renewable energy. Diavik's wind farm has reduced fuel use up to nearly 15 per cent. Colville Lake solar panel project allows their generators to run 25 per cent less. Yes, we have to build on these successes, but reducing emissions is a collaborative effort. Our economy relies on carbon intensive resource extraction. The challenge is to grow the economy, and simultaneously meet our reduction targets. Some suggest we can't have both. I believe we can.

Mr. Speaker, the extractive industry invests millions in research every year. For example, the Canadian Mining Innovation Council put forward a strategy entitled: Towards Zero Mining Waste. It calls for water use, energy use, and environmental footprints to be cut in half by 2027. A healthy mining sector doesn't have to be an environmental liability. Innovation and technology will help both industry and government meet reduction goals. How can we measure success in emission reduction strategies? One measure is through the international organization for standardization. It develops international standards such as ISO 14001 for environmental management, and ISO 9001 for quality management. On energy management and efficiency, the standard is ISO 50001. Currently, there is one mining company in Canada that is ISO 50001 certified, and others working towards certification. We should consider adopting these high standards in our forthcoming energy strategy.

Mr. Speaker, I don't believe in settling for one or the other. I believe that with smart approaches and a push for innovation, we can support the economy, improve our energy efficiency, and meet our targets for reducing emissions. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Climate Change And The Economy
Members' Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statement, Member for Sahtu.

Destination Deline Tourism Initiative
Members' Statements

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Destination Deline, the Deline Gotine Government Tourism Initiative. Mr. Speaker, 2018 is the year of Canada and China tourism relations. The Government of the Northwest Territories "Tourism 2020" is a strategic approach to increasing our readiness to this thriving industry.

Mr. Speaker, 100 million Chinese residents visit international destinations every year.

Mr. Speaker, Destination Deline is the true NWT tourism experience, designed to expand the pristine attractions of the NWT horizons from the community of Deline on the shores of Canada's last fresh water world-renowned trophy fish lake, Great Bear Lake.

This initiative will offer China travellers with lifetime and breathtaking experiences from a small remote community perspective to the unique, traditional and cultural activities where North Slavey language is preferred over English.

Mr. Speaker, Destination Deline, getting ready for the Asian invasion, the Deline Gotine government has invested significant capital to this initiative by constructing additional cabins to the community- owned hotel. Mr. Speaker, this is a shared benefit initiative. The program will enhance small community ventures, arts and craft producers, while sharing traffic through the NWT capital.

Mr. Speaker, I am privileged by invitation on accompanying the Deline Gotine government trip to China, and I will be absent from the House for the remaining term. This is a truly a Deline community opportunity on economic diversification. Later, I will have questions to the Minister of ITI. Mahsi cho.

Destination Deline Tourism Initiative
Members' Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statement. Member for Nahendeh.

Impacts Of Site C Hydroelectric Dam In The Northwest Territories
Members' Statements

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, British Columbia's proposed $8 billion Site C hydroelectric dam will flood more than 80 committees of the Peace River Valley. First Nations whose land were directly affected will pay the highest price for the so-called "clean energy project." The environmental impact assessment said flooding land for a reservoir would "severely undermine the use of the land, make fishing unsafe for at least a generation, and would submerge burial grounds and other critical cultural and historical sites."

The dam will have significant downstream effect, including on the Slave River in the NWT. It will alternate between depriving downstream communities of water and flooding these communities to manage the dam's water level. Under section 35 of the Constitution Act, governments must undertake meaningful consultation with First Nations when their Indigenous rights might be deprived. In 2016, Amnesty International issued a report which I will table later this week, saying that Site C violated the human rights of the Indigenous people. Assembly of First Nations National Chief, Perry Bellegarde has said that Canada's approach to the project is not in keeping with the constitution, or the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples and that BC's decision to move forward is "completely contrary to the reconciliation."

During environmental assessments, Canada and BC consulted with the NWT Metis Nation. They determined the Metis claim to Aboriginal rights regarding the dam is weak and that potential impact would be minimal. They also consulted with NWT Treaty 8 First Nations, including Salt River First Nation, Smith Landing's First Nation, and Deninu Kue First Nation. In its representation to the panel, the DKFN outlined the significant changes in the drying up of the Great Slave River watershed and subsequent impacts. Despite this, it was determined that the impact would be low because the dam's footprint was not expected to overlap the Treaty 8 traditional use areas.

Mr. Speaker, these findings completely ignore the downstream impacts of the dam in communities in my riding. People in Fort Simpson can remember losing wharf installations, fishing boats, and fuel cans when the floodgates opened on the WAC Bennett and Peace Canyon dams, which are upstream from Site C.

I know an Indigenous research named Jack Yeadon, who has monitored Site C. He said, "Who gave BC the right to play God, damming up our rivers without our prior knowledge or consent?" I could not agree more. I will have questions for the Premier about the NWT's position on this project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Impacts Of Site C Hydroelectric Dam In The Northwest Territories
Members' Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.

Bathurst Caribou Herd
Members' Statements

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. An important paper was published last week on caribou, focusing on the Bathurst caribou herd. I tabled this peer-reviewed paper in the House on March 1st. The author say the following:

"As caribou populations have declined in recent years, the governance response has almost exclusively focused on curbing Indigenous subsistence harvesting. We offer the case of the Bathurst caribou herd, where key areas of the summer and fall range have been taken up for mining exploration and development in the last two decades. The tragedy, both ecological and socio-economic, mirrors historic periods of wildlife management in northern Canada during which time caribou management was explicitly about advancing private interests in northern lands and resources at the expense of Indigenous cultures and livelihoods.

"There are other threats for the Bathurst caribou herd on the horizon as new mining projects are proposed, including an all-weather road and deep-water port project that would significantly adversely affect caribou habitat, including areas considered sensitive calving grounds. Even for skeptics and cautious scientists who consider the evidence about the impacts of mining on caribou habitat and population dynamics as incomplete, taking a precautionary approach to limit development, particularly in the Bathurst range, would seem a prudent course of action."

That's the end of the quote, Mr. Speaker. What has been the response of our government to the crisis with the Bathurst caribou herd? A herd range-planning exercise has been going on, led by Environment Natural Resources for the last four years. The draft plan is now for public consultation, which closes on March 31, 2018.

The draft plan presents a conceptual way forward for managing humans in relation to the caribou herd. However, the implementation section is particularly weak, with no concrete set of actions or commitments by governments on either side of the NWT-Nunavut boundary. No costs are predicted.

There is also an ominous disclaimer that says, "The document does not represent the results of community consultation or government policy direction." The draft also states, "The range plan is advisory, and all recommendations are non-binding."

Our government needs to decide whether it wants to commit to protecting the Bathurst caribou herd with other governments or if it wants to build an all-weather road through the heart of its range. It's a simple choice, Mr. Speaker: caribou or roads. I'll have questions for the Minister of Environmental and Natural Resources later today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Bathurst Caribou Herd
Members' Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.

Elders’ Leases On Commissioner’s Lands
Members' Statements

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. We live in a strange world. There are many aspects of our lives that are simply not fair, but I'd like to think our government is ending any unfairness it is responsible for. This is especially important where our elders are being treated unfairly, as they are when they have to pay to lease for our government's Commissioner's lands.

Dene people used to live on the land in small villages along the Deh Cho or inland lakes where the hunting and fishing was good. When residential schools were built, the federal government and RCMP forced children to go to school in the communities. Houses were built by the federal government so that families could be closer to their children when they were at the mission school.

Today, some elders are living on the same land they had been living on since the 1960s. Of course, these elders are living on the fixed income from the old-age pension. They have to live very frugally or they won't have enough money for their basics of life. They are grateful when their families and friends' families bring them food from the land. These elders' homes are on Dene land that has somehow become Commissioner's lands, and the elders are required to pay to lease it. I know some elders who owe as much as $5,000. It is pitiful that our government hounds our elders to pay to occupy their own lands, Mr. Speaker, just pitiful.

No, it is worse than pitiful. It is unfair and oppressive and a bad hangover from deeply colonialist policies. Some of these elders helped document traditional trails and land use to advance the Deh Cho process. The children of some of those elders have laboured for decades to advance that process.

In discussing the current budget, the Minister of Lands has congratulated himself for lowering the costs of leasing Commissioner's lands. I suppose it is a humble improvement, but I'm saying for the record today that our elders should not have to pay to lease land they have always lived on or land under the cabins they may live in from time to time. I hope the Minister will do something about it and bring a little fairness to our land. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Elders’ Leases On Commissioner’s Lands
Members' Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Congratulations To Cabin Radio
Members' Statements

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a new radio station started broadcasting to the world this week from the heart of Yellowknife Centre when Cabin Radio signed on yesterday with its first program. I was delighted to be in their studio for this historic occasion.

Cabin Radio exists as an online station, livestreaming on the Internet through the labours of six people. Programming and news leader Ollie Williams is joined by program host, Jesse Wheeler, from 7:00 to 9:00 and Shannon Moore, who is hosting the afternoon show from noon to 4:00. Ollie has the 9:00 to noon spot, and the evening drive show is soon to follow. Kevin Macdonald hosts the Saturday morning show, and there is local news twice on hour. As well, the news content is posted to the Cabin Radio website.

The station has given itself a strong mandate for the promotion of northern music and the arts. NWT composer Carmen Braden created the station's musical sound, and a three-minute composition of hers was the first musical airing at station sign-on. Mr. Speaker, Cabin Radio content and expertise isn't just contained to the live signal. Cabin Radio is also a training resource for youth and community radio stations. A workshop at the Lidlii Kue First Nation in Fort Simpson taught young broadcasters the skills that radio production and training is being made available to broadcasters at community radio stations around the NWT. Cabin Radio will also share its content and features with community stations, establishing a kind of syndicated service in the NWT. There is a lot more from Cabin Radio in store. Producers are inviting new programming and show ideas. Evenings and weekends are reserved for shows created by community members with a passion they'd like to share. An FM broadcast licence may be in the future, and there's a phone app in development as well.

Take a listen. You'll find them at www.cabinradio.ca. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Congratulations To Cabin Radio
Members' Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Healthy Living And Traditional Dene Games
Members' Statements

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak about the cost of obesity to our people and to our healthcare system. According to Statistics Canada, the Northwest Territories has the highest obesity levels in the country, at 35.3 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, two of the four pillars of health are to eat healthy food and exercise. In small communities, it is costly to eat fresh vegetables and fruits on a regular basis. However, it is still possible to get healthy traditional food, like caribou, moose, fish, and small game, like wild chickens, ducks, and rabbits. In addition, many of the elders will pick berries in season and make them last an entire year.

Mr. Speaker, one physical activity has become very popular, especially in small communities, is hand games. Hand games have grown in popularity right across the Northwest Territories and have proven to be very good for the physicality of participants. This is demonstrated by the fact that hand games and other Dene games, such as finger pull, snow snake, stick pull, and pole push are all recognized competitive sports in the Arctic Winter Games. Further, I also know that the GNWT shares this view of the importance of hand games because of its inclusion in the Aboriginal Sports Circle Program.

Moreover, Mr. Speaker, hand games have proven to be an excellent medium for youth to communicate and make positive social connections with their peers. Mr. Speaker, youth that are involved in sports and recreation like hand games and other Dene games are much more likely to stay out of trouble and away from dangerous activities that involve drugs, alcohol, or crime. As you can see, Mr. Speaker, there are many positive aspects to hand games.

Mr. Speaker, hand game participants get to interact with their counterparts from other communities, participate in physical activity, and stay away from drug and alcohol. Mr. Speaker, whenever you have a situation where youth are in a non-alcoholic, non-drug environment, you can only have positive things come from it.

Mr. Speaker, we all know the government and the social costs when youth do not exercise and become obese and when the youth overconsume alcohol and drugs and end up in the justice system.

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

---Unanimous consent granted

Healthy Living And Traditional Dene Games
Members' Statements

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I was once told by a community leader that they do everything they can as a community to help their youth do well. As a result of their efforts, no youth from that community has appeared in court in over three years. It is no wonder that in recent years the number of youth in North Slave Young Offenders facility has dropped to record low-inmate populations. I urge this government to continue to help people in the Northwest Territories value our Dene games, more particularly the hand games. One day, I hope to see hand games have equal value as other prominent sports like hockey, basketball, and soccer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Healthy Living And Traditional Dene Games
Members' Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.

Mental Health Concerns For First Responders
Members' Statements

Herbert Nakimayak

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, across Canada, governments are grappling with the impacts of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental disorders on this country's Canadian rangers, search and rescue technicians, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and other first responders. Last summer, a national survey revealed that first responders were 10 per cent more likely to face these kinds of illnesses than the general population. Whether women or men, rookies or lifelong veterans, serving your community as a first responder comes with an added workplace risk.

These risks don't disappear when they are off the clock. The same survey that I just mentioned showed that the symptoms of what they call "operational stress injuries" increase over time, with more time at work and more traumatic experiences. Although family bonds can help first responders deal with the mental and emotional demands of their work, traumatic experience can also strain those bonds, sometimes to the breaking point.

Mr. Speaker, other jurisdictions have found new ways to confront the reality of first responders' work. Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario recognize PTSD as a "presumptive condition" in their workers' compensation legislation. That means that those governments recognize that PTSD arises out of a worker's employment conditions, if the condition develops during their employment. This opens a door to quicker recognition and improved access to appropriate treatment and resources, from debriefing and stress counselling to clinical treatment.

Mr. Speaker, with this precedent set across the country, this is something that I would like to see our workers' compensation legislation address. Many Northwest Territories firefighters are volunteers, but we need to make sure that both volunteers and career firefighters have access to the best possible supports, training, and care. Also, with the introduction of 911, many new dispatchers will join the ranks of our first responders. Mr. Speaker, we have got to be ready to ensure the safety and care of all of our first responders, on the job and at home. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mental Health Concerns For First Responders
Members' Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Item 4, reports of standing and special committees. Item 5, returns to oral questions. Item 6, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to welcome the two grade 6 classes that we have here visiting today from Weledeh Catholic School, and I also want to welcome their teachers, Trent Hamm and Tyrrell Hughes. Welcome, and I hope you enjoy the proceedings today. Thank you.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Thank you. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Inuvik Boot Lake.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize my constituency assistant, Ms. Ray Solotki. She is here with us this week. She is chaperoning a couple of our Pages, Mataya Gillis and Tyanna Bain, who are very strong ambassadors in the sport of curling for the Northwest Territories and put the NWT on the map with their junior curling.

As always, to the youth, welcome to the two grade 6 classes from Weledeh, and, to your educators, thank you for all of the work that you do for our students. Mahsi.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 7, acknowledgements. Item 8, oral questions. Member for Nunakput.

Question 200-18(3): Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And First Responders
Oral Questions

Herbert Nakimayak

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier, I spoke about post-traumatic stress disorder. My questions are for the Minister of WSCC. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister how our workers' compensation legislation currently deals with PTSD and other mental disorders that develop as a result of an individual's work, as for firefighters and other first responders? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 200-18(3): Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And First Responders
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister responsible for the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission.

Question 200-18(3): Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And First Responders
Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Currently, the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission does recognize post-traumatic stress disorder as a psychological disorder if it is diagnosed by a medical professional. Both are covered within the act, and, if it is diagnosed, they will be provided the support that's provided to anyone, similar to as if it was a physical accident.

Question 200-18(3): Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And First Responders
Oral Questions

Herbert Nakimayak

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

I appreciate the response. Mr. Speaker, my second question is: can the Minister commit to exploring the Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario models for recognizing PTSD and other disorders as presumptive conditions for firefighters and other first responders, as in the Firefighters' Presumption Regulations?

Question 200-18(3): Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And First Responders
Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Certainly, we can. The Workers' Safety and Compensation Board, just like other departments of the Government of the Northwest Territories, tries to work in partnership with all of the provinces and territories across Canada. We are always looking for best practices. We are always taking from each other, sharing workshops and sharing information. We will continue doing that process. It doesn't make sense to work in isolation. The best practice is working cross-jurisdictionally, looking at what is working and what is not working, and adapting our services based on that; so, yes, we will.

Question 200-18(3): Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And First Responders
Oral Questions

Herbert Nakimayak

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

I appreciate the response. Mr. Speaker, how does the Minister plan for 911 rollout, including planning for workers' from across the territory, including paramedics and dispatchers, exposure to traumatic situations?

Question 200-18(3): Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And First Responders
Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

It is actually one of the benefits that we're going to be co-sharing the space with the Medicalert. We will be looking at sharing some of the training that they receive as well. That will give us a little bit of a heads up on some of the situations that we may be encountering when people accept 911 calls.

Of course, everyone that does work in that station will be Government of the Northwest Territories employees, and so they do qualify for the employee assistance program, where people can access services, counselling services, as needed, and then, of course, we will be looking at specialized training to assist them. We are doing as best as we can to make sure that we support our workers when they implement 911, because we recognize that some of those calls are going to be heartbreaking, and we need to take care of our employees.

Question 200-18(3): Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And First Responders
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Question 201-18(3): Bathurst Caribou Range Plan
Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, monsieur le President. In October 2016, the then-Minister of Transportation said in this House that environmental considerations, more specifically, potential impacts on the Bathurst caribou herd, played no part in the current alignment of the proposed Slave Geological Province Road.

Can the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources tell us whether his staff have had any discussions with the Department of Infrastructure about the routing of the proposed Slave Geological Province all-weather road and what the outcome of those discussions has been? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Question 201-18(3): Bathurst Caribou Range Plan
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources.

Question 201-18(3): Bathurst Caribou Range Plan
Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ENR staff have provided the Department of Infrastructure with wildlife data to support the development of road-routing options, and, based on preliminary discussions, I understand that the focus at this stage is in obtaining funding to advance the Slave Geological Province. Once we do that, there is still a very lengthy environmental assessment process that we would have to go through, as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 201-18(3): Bathurst Caribou Range Plan
Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

I want to thank the Minister for that, and I just sort of wonder when environmental considerations will go into the planning of the road. In December 2016, there was an interim discussion document for the Bathurst caribou range plan, and it recommended winter road access over all-weather roads wherever possible, to reduce impacts. The draft range plan that is now out for public engagement is a lot weaker. It says the following: "New roads in the Bathurst caribou range take into consideration the needs of multiple purposes and users, seasonality of construction and use, routing, and design to minimize impacts to caribou." That is the end of the quote, Mr. Speaker. It is a lot weaker. Can the Minister explain why the draft range plan was significantly weakened with regard to how all-weather roads would be acceptable?

Question 201-18(3): Bathurst Caribou Range Plan
Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

The wording on the draft range plan was modified to reflect recent input received during the last round of engagement, and I think the Member pointed out before that we do have a second phase of public decision-making engagement going on from January to the end of March, as well.

Question 201-18(3): Bathurst Caribou Range Plan
Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

I would like to thank the Minister for that. I looked at the "what we heard" report, and there were no comments from any government agencies about this particular weakening of the report around roads, so I'm not sure where that came from. Can the Minister tell us whether any resources have been dedicated in the 2018-2019 Environment and Natural Resources budget towards concrete actions and implementation of the Bathurst Caribou Range Plan?

Question 201-18(3): Bathurst Caribou Range Plan
Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is currently conducting a certain engagement on the Bathurst Caribou Range Plan which had been funded internally in our budget and funding received from Polar Knowledge Canada. ENR plans on returning to Cabinet in the summer of 2018 for approval on a final range plan and funding needs for the implementation of the range planning dependent on the final content of the plan. ENR and GNWT will need to identify funding for implementation of the plan at that time, which will likely involve existing program funding and request for new internal and external, as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 201-18(3): Bathurst Caribou Range Plan
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Question 201-18(3): Bathurst Caribou Range Plan
Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I'd like to thank the Minister again for that. I look forward to the supplementary appropriation for the plan. As I said in my statement earlier today, if our government will not sign off on the Bathurst Caribou Range Plan and claims that it is advisory, not binding and not government policy, just what is the status of this plan and what confidence can the public have that our government is ever going to do anything to protect the Bathurst Caribou herd? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Question 201-18(3): Bathurst Caribou Range Plan
Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, I mean I can inform the public that this government will do all we can to protect the Bathurst Caribou. We know that the numbers have been down drastically over the last number of years. Hence, the reason for trying to put a good range plan together. It will be a Cabinet-approved document and, as such, the GNWT will be responsible for implementing those recommendations following under its authority again. Once we have all the information compiled and we're ready to go out and go get a final approval of the range plan, we will obviously sit down with committee and seek some input from committee, if that's the wish of committee, and we will come up with a good range plan that will work for the preservation of the Bathurst Caribou herd. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 201-18(3): Bathurst Caribou Range Plan
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Question 202-18(3): Site C Dam
Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I was talking about the Site C Dam in BC, and I have some questions for the Premier. My first question is: what discussions, if any, has the GNWT had with the BC Government on the downstream impacts of the Site C Dam? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 202-18(3): Site C Dam
Oral Questions

March 5th, 2018

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The Honourable Premier.

Question 202-18(3): Site C Dam
Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ten years ago, the BC Minister of Energy along with a planeload of BC hydro officials flew down to Yellowknife to advise our government that they would be proceeding with building Site C and that they were proceeding into an environmental assessment mode. At that time, we advised them of our experience with the effects of the Bennett Dam. We were concerned about it. They told us that Site C would only have a 12-kilometre reach downstream of Site C, so we shouldn't have to worry about it, but we told them that we didn't believe that. Our experience is that it would have a longer reach, so we prevailed on them to consult with Aboriginal governments and communities all the way down the Mackenzie River, right up to the Beaufort Sea. We gave them a list of all of the contacts, and they proceeded to do so.

We also, as a government, the Government of the Northwest Territories, fully participated in the environmental assessment process for the Site C project. The Government of the Northwest Territories provided written comments, attended multiple hearings and meetings, and ultimately provided recommendations to decision makers to address any potential downstream effects to ecosystems, traditional harvesters, and communities in the Northwest Territories. Our government recognizes the importance of maintaining the ecological integrity of the aquatic ecosystems in the Northwest Territories.

Question 202-18(3): Site C Dam
Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Premier for that answer. I appreciate the government trying to do what we can do with the BC government. Unfortunately, they seem to be not listening to us in some of these areas. Has the GNWT made a public announcement regarding this position on this mega project and the impact it has on Northwest Territories residents and our First Nations communities?

Question 202-18(3): Site C Dam
Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Through the environmental assessment process for Site C, the Government of the Northwest Territories provided numerous submissions, including advice regarding potential downstream impacts to aquatic ecosystems in the Northwest Territories.

Our Government of the Northwest Territories submissions are pubic and are available on the Canadian and environment assessment agency's website. The Government of the Northwest Territories incorporated into its submissions concerns heard about the Site C expansion from Northwest Territories residents and Indigenous governments and organizations. As the Member has stated, several Indigenous governments, including the Deninu Kue, Salt River and Smith's Landing First Nations, and Northwest Territories Metis Nation also participated in the environmental assessment process.

Question 202-18(3): Site C Dam
Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

I appreciate the Minister and the answer he's provided here. My next question is: what is the government doing during this Assembly to mitigate the negative impact of this project on our Northwest Territories First Nations and communities, and has the Premier contacted in writing the Premier from BC?

Question 202-18(3): Site C Dam
Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Following the three-year environmental assessment process, the Site C project received federal and provincial approval in 2014. Construction of the Site C expansion project began in 2015, and the decision to approve the project included 80 conditions, which are intended to prevent or reduce impacts to the Peace River.

As well, our government negotiated transboundary water agreements with Alberta and also with British Columbia. The Transboundary Water Agreement with British Columbia primarily focuses on the Liard River basin, whereas the Peace River system flows into Alberta, so we are relying on the Transboundary Water Agreement with Alberta to monitor the impacts and effects of the water quality and water quantity. We have increased significantly the monitoring at the border on the downstream impacts so that we will be aware of any negative impacts. We have a process set up through the Mackenzie River Basin Board where, if there are any concerns, we can raise them with the applicable government. We're working very closely with Alberta and British Columbia on transboundary waters. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 202-18(3): Site C Dam
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Sahtu.

Question 203-18(3): Promoting Northwest Territories Tourism / Destination Deline
Oral Questions

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Further to my statement on Destination Deline, my question to the Minister of ITI is: Mr. Speaker, we saw record-breaking tourism numbers last year, which bodes well for the future of this important industry in the Northwest Territories. Is the GNWT Department of ITI going to change the way it looks at tourism because of the new numbers? Mahsi.

Question 203-18(3): Promoting Northwest Territories Tourism / Destination Deline
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Question 203-18(3): Promoting Northwest Territories Tourism / Destination Deline
Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member stated, with the high numbers, no, we are not going to change the way we are looking at this. We believe that our approach to this whole thing coming forward is showing that our strategy of tourism 2020 is actually working for the Northwest Territories and it's showing great success. We're on track to hit our $207 million spent by tourism by 2021.

As I've said in this House just recently, our numbers are up, hitting record-breaking numbers again. The NWT marketing plan, which I tabled last week, is a big part of that equation, as well.

Question 203-18(3): Promoting Northwest Territories Tourism / Destination Deline
Oral Questions

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thanks to the Minister for the reply. The 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang were broadcasted around the world, and I was pleased to see TV commercials advertising the Northwest Territories as a tourist destination. I'd like to ask the Minister who developed and placed these commercials? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 203-18(3): Promoting Northwest Territories Tourism / Destination Deline
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Question 203-18(3): Promoting Northwest Territories Tourism / Destination Deline
Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

I'd like to take credit. NWT Tourism does our marketing plan and our destination marketing for our organizations in the NWT. I had a chance to see our "Just a Bit Different" commercials as well, and we provide a lot of funding to the organization NWT Tourism to carry out these marketing initiatives. Kudos to them for having them during the Olympics. I just want to update the House. The Premier and I were just at PDAC, and I never even had a chance to tell the Premier this, but I ran into the old ADM of Tourism for Ontario a couple of days ago while I was down there, and he just finished working there, but he said his Minister pulled him aside there lately and said, "What the heck's going on in our department, here? How come Newfoundland and NWT have such good commercials, and ours aren't very good? So what's going on here?"

Question 203-18(3): Promoting Northwest Territories Tourism / Destination Deline
Oral Questions

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

That's a positive report and positive comments. My third question, Mr. Speaker: the tourism industry is certainly working at large centres like Yellowknife, but can the Minister tell me what the GNWT is doing to promote tourism in the regions like the Sahtu?

Question 203-18(3): Promoting Northwest Territories Tourism / Destination Deline
Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Even this month coming up, we're going to have our first-ever tourism conference on March 21st and 22nd in Tulita, and we're doing that in partnership with Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. So kudos to Tulita for hosting that here in the next couple of weeks. We've talked in this House about a number of programs and supports we have around tourism, and all the people within the Sahtu region and the NWT can access those, as well. Lately, we've supported a couple of business initiatives in his riding in particular: a paddleboard business, ski trails, cabin maintenance and renovation to the museum. We've also, I think, helped out the Norman Wells Historical Society. So there are a number of initiatives going on, along with training and mentorship programs that can be accessed, and there are a number of them doing them in his region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 203-18(3): Promoting Northwest Territories Tourism / Destination Deline
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Member for Sahtu.

Question 203-18(3): Promoting Northwest Territories Tourism / Destination Deline
Oral Questions

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm glad to hear the Minister included cabin maintenance. I'm hoping that will include the shelters for the future highway. My last question here, Mr. Speaker: this government has a mandate to expand tourism options, specifically by building new parks, such as the Dodo Toi Canyon Park. Can the Minister provide an update on work being done to develop the Dodo Canyon Territorial Park? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Question 203-18(3): Promoting Northwest Territories Tourism / Destination Deline
Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

The Member is well-aware that the remediation of the Canol Trail is the responsibility of the federal government. We continue to hold their feet to the fire on that, but the federal government has tendered out the next step of this contract. It has been awarded, and remediation is expected to begin next summer on that project. Since 2015, the Government of Canada and Dodo Toi Territorial Park has through us, I guess, and working with the Park Corporation cleaned up 350 kilometers of telephone wire along that trail, and that project has been completed as of last summer. This year, we're going to add two additional shelters to complete the work on the trail that we're committed to for this coming season. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 203-18(3): Promoting Northwest Territories Tourism / Destination Deline
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.

Question 204-18(3): Climate Change And The Economy
Oral Questions

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier today, I talked about reducing the effects on climate change while growing our economy and wondering if it's possible to do both at the same time. My questions today are for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, and I recognize and appreciate that we're in a bit of a unique situation here in the North. We've signed on to the Pan-Canadian Agreement on Clean Growth and Climate Change, and, yet, we're mandated and we want to reach the goal of growing our economy. So I have a question to the Minister: does the Minister believe that our obligations to reduce the impacts on climate change can be met while we undertake initiatives to grow the economy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 204-18(3): Climate Change And The Economy
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Question 204-18(3): Climate Change And The Economy
Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I believe we can do both, and the Member is right. We signed on to the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and the Paris Accord Agreement. These are commitments that we have made as a government. We are moving on those. We are moving on these strategies. They're all in lock sync. The Energy Strategy, the Petroleum Resource Strategy, and the Climate Change Strategic Framework is coming out. They're in lock sync together. All of these departments have been working very closely together. It's a complicated issue when all of a sudden we shift our economy from a resource-based economy, around mining, around petroleum and oil and gas, and all of a sudden now we're signed on to these international agreements. We've had to change how we think and move forward. It is a challenge on how we pull these things all together because we're such a small jurisdiction and we live in probably the harshest part of the country, but our government is working very hard on how we can grow these initiatives to continue to grow our economy as well as meet the obligations that we've signed on to.

Question 204-18(3): Climate Change And The Economy
Oral Questions

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

That's a reply that I like to hear; that we can grow our economy and meet our environmental obligations at the same time. Mr. Speaker, there are a number of studies out there that are looking at different types of weather events around the world, such as heat waves and precipitation and the huge storms that we've been having, and many of those same studies also look at the impacts on agriculture, industrial output, even labour productivity. So I'd like to ask the Minister: what is our government doing to measure the impacts of climate change on economic activity in the Northwest Territories?

Question 204-18(3): Climate Change And The Economy
Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

While I believe we're already doing it because climate change is already here. When I'm speaking down south, I don't say climate change is something that's coming; it has already impacted the Northwest Territories. As a number of Members in this House know, we continue to say that it's already warmed up by 4 degrees in some parts of the Northwest Territories. So, as the Ministry of Infrastructure, in particular, we know the challenges around climate change. We have changes around construction, around maintenance, around building of ice roads, operation of government infrastructure, and that's just on our side. That's not even on the private side of things or what industry faces around climate change, around the difficulty of the ice roads for the diamond mines. So we're already doing certain measurements of impacts because we know what it's already costing this government and how we have to plan for the future around our infrastructure needs, but I think, as these new strategies roll out and we sign our bilaterals with the federal government on investment of our $500-and-some million that we're going to be receiving from the federal government around these things, there is a climate lens put on most of those programs going forward, and we'll have to have a serious look at how we're going to roll them out and how they're going to be a part of our economy.

Question 204-18(3): Climate Change And The Economy
Oral Questions

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you to the Minister for his reply. I appreciate it. The Minister spoke about this a little bit earlier. We have a number of forthcoming strategies: the Energy Strategy, the Climate Change Framework; we also have the Mineral Resources Act, and other environmental pieces of legislation under review and set for change. Are these new strategies and laws being looked at through the lens of having the economy grow while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the same time?

Question 204-18(3): Climate Change And The Economy
Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

As I've said, we are very concerned about this. When we went out and did our public consultation, some of the biggest things we heard is the cost of living and how it relates to our economy and how we're going to move these initiatives forward. We have to be very careful, and, at the same time, we have to meet our commitments that we've signed on to. As I've said, this is all a whole bunch of departments working together on how they pull these things together, and a big part of it is going to be our federal infrastructure dollars and how it rolls out and how do we invest those dollars and our commitments to the federal government on how we spend that money. We'll continue to work on that at the same time to meet our greenhouse gas emissions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 204-18(3): Climate Change And The Economy
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.

Question 204-18(3): Climate Change And The Economy
Oral Questions

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Minister. My final question: I spoke about industry taking the lead toward initiatives such as toward zero mining impact and meeting new ISO certifications. I would like to ask the Minister: is our government talking with industry specifically about how we can both reach our goals of enjoying economic wealth but while also meeting our global demands to reduce emissions? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 204-18(3): Climate Change And The Economy
Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Yes, industry is a big part of our consultation process as industry is one of the biggest parts of our GDP of our Government of the Northwest Territories, so we have to consider their factors in, as well.

When we start talking about industry, I tend to lean a little bit more towards the mining side because they're the biggest part of our economy right now. We've taken their concerns into serious consideration on how we're moving this forward. There has been some great talk with them specifically around the carbon tax and how this is going to make implications on them. At the same time, we have to identify a model, as I've said, to meet our international goals and our Canadian goals, however we're going to meet our greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, we want to minimize the impacts on our economy and the cost of living for residents of the Northwest Territories. These things are all considered while we're doing that. We don't know where we're going to end up on the carbon tax side of things as yet. There are ongoing discussions with the federal government. Going forward, we will be working very closely with industry. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 204-18(3): Climate Change And The Economy
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Question 205-18(3): Promoting Traditional Hand Games
Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my member's statement, I speak of the importance of hand games to the youth of the Northwest Territories. I'd like to ask the Minister of MACA questions: does the Minister and the department support and encourage funding for hand game tournaments? Thank you.

Question 205-18(3): Promoting Traditional Hand Games
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.

Question 205-18(3): Promoting Traditional Hand Games
Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs recognizes that preserving Aboriginal culture is important to the residents of the Northwest Territories, and hand games is part of that tradition. There are a couple of requirements though. Of course, if there's money being exchanged during the hand games, we tend not to support that as that is more promoting gambling than the actual physical activity of hand games. Then we also try to encourage that because traditionally hand games are more for male, men and boys’ sports, so we also try to encourage the applicants to look at a traditional activity for girls and women, as well.

Question 205-18(3): Promoting Traditional Hand Games
Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Mr. Speaker, we see school championships such as Super Soccer and Spike It, to name a couple. Does the department fund a territorial championship for hand games?

Question 205-18(3): Promoting Traditional Hand Games
Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

The department supports the Aboriginal Sport Circle's annual middle school territorial games championship, which includes hand games during those games.

Question 205-18(3): Promoting Traditional Hand Games
Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask the Minister about, you know, I talked about all the benefits of hosting events and so on: does the department help fund the traditional games that go on across the territory?

Question 205-18(3): Promoting Traditional Hand Games
Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

As stated in my previous answer, yes, through the Aboriginal Sport Circle, we do fund the annual middle school traditional games championships. If the Member is thinking of other games that we should be looking at, I am more than willing to work with the Member to consider those as options, as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 205-18(3): Promoting Traditional Hand Games
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Question 205-18(3): Promoting Traditional Hand Games
Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, does the department do or get some reports on the traditional activities, traditional games at middle school games, as the Minister stated, and report that to residents or develop some sort of report that the MLAs can see? Thank you.

Question 205-18(3): Promoting Traditional Hand Games
Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Yes, the department does report on these events. I'm not sure about the past, but, if we haven't been providing those to MLAs, I will make sure that we do provide those reports in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 205-18(3): Promoting Traditional Hand Games
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.

Question 206-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are to the Minister of Lands. As people might be aware in this House, the very fundamental questions on the ownership and jurisdictions in the sovereignty of the Deh Cho hands is being negotiated. My question is to the Minister of Lands. Why is the government requiring Dene elders to lease the land they live on, now designated as Commissioner's lands? Mahsi.

Question 206-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Minister of Lands.

Question 206-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Currently on Commissioner's lands, lessees are charged 10 per cent of the assessed value of the land. As was mentioned previously by the Member opposite, we are looking at reducing that to a more reasonable amount of 5 per cent. Currently, those leases are still charged and assessed.

Question 206-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, you know, despite the modest decrease in terms of the rates, the bills are still piling up for elders and has put them in a very stressful situation. What will the Minister do to remedy this injustice?

Question 206-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

As I mentioned earlier, we're contemplating lowering the rate we charge from 10 per cent to 5 per cent. In addition, seniors do receive a 50 per cent discount. We have made efforts to make life easier for our senior citizens.

Question 206-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, I think there are a few elders that would be more likely categorized in a very stressful situation where their bills have piled up to the point where they're more likely pondering the idea, if they're aware of the option, of bankruptcy. Could the Minister and his department consider an interim arrangement? How long would it take for the Minister to remedy this injustice?

Question 206-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, once the leases are in arrears, the matter goes to the Department of Finance, who will then send out letters. I know they try to work with individuals to see if they can repay the amounts that they owe. I do also understand that, under Section 3 of the Income Assistance Policy Manual, applicants who reside on Commissioner's land from the Department of Lands or the NWTHC may qualify for a monthly allowance to assist with the cost of the land lease. There are various ways that seniors could be assisted.

As I mentioned earlier, apart from reducing the proposal is to reduce the current leases from 10 to 5 per cent. In addition, of course, there is the seniors’ discount. We are doing things for senior citizens, and there are other programs that appear that they could access. Thank you.

Question 206-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.

Question 206-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to thank the Minister of Lands. Will the Minister come to Deh Cho communities to speak with our elders and leaders to explain his position on this and what is he doing about it? Mahsi.

Question 206-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes. I certainly could consider such a visit. As I mentioned, we are rolling out a new proposal to reduce the rents from 10 per cent to 5 per cent of appraised value. Now, that's the appraised value of the land itself, so, even if a very nice house is built on that land, that doesn't affect the 5 or 10 per cent that we have been charging on the land itself. I think we are going to try to be in touch with people who are in a situation and make them realize or give them the information that we are reducing the lease fees from 10 to 5 per cent. After that, I would certainly consider such a visit. Perhaps it could be combined with some other activities. Thank you.

Question 206-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Hay River North.

Question 207-18(3): Roadside Testing For Cannabis-Impaired Driving
Oral Questions

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with Bill C-46, the federal government has proposed changes to drug-impaired driving laws in response to the impending legalization of cannabis. I have questions for the Minister of Justice about how these laws will be handled in the NWT. I know we can't discuss legislation that is before a standing committee of this House, so we will keep the discussion confined to the enforcement of the proposed federal legislation and not touch on our own legislation.

Nationwide, the RCMP have been testing roadside oral fluid swabs as a way to detect drug-impaired drivers. These devices are supposed to be able to detect whether a person has consumed one of several types of drugs, including cannabis, in the previous few hours, which is a relatively tight timeframe when compared to blood and urine tests, which can detect THC in the system for days or even months. However, there are still concerns. Similar devices have been used in the UK and Australia for a few years now, and there are still questions about their accuracy and about the lack of scientific data when it comes to determining what actually constitutes impairment. We want to keep the streets safe, but we want to also make sure that we don't charge innocent people.

I have some questions for the Minister. The first one is: could the Minister please provide this House with a summary of the type of roadside testing that we will be employing in the NWT to detect drug-impaired driving? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 207-18(3): Roadside Testing For Cannabis-Impaired Driving
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Justice.

Question 207-18(3): Roadside Testing For Cannabis-Impaired Driving
Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This of course is federal legislation, and the federal government has contemplated some very ambitious changes to the criminal code that will set a legal limit for certain drugs or drugs and alcohol together in a driver's system, the various penalties that can be applied, and the rules around law enforcement, which will allow them to demand drug testing, what tests can be used, and what happens when someone refuses to take the test. I understand that the oral fluid drug screener has been used for some time. I am told that it is highly accurate, so hopefully we wouldn't have people charged that shouldn't be charged. As I mentioned, the proposed levels involve a certain amount of THC in the system; I think it is 2 nanograms. If it is 2 but under 5, that would be a summary conviction or a less serious charge; at or over 5, a more serious offence. It is a hybrid, which means that it could be summary or indictable, a lower limit of 2.5, if it is combined with 50 milligrams of alcohol.

Now, I am not certain whether all of this proposed law will come into force, but that is the proposal. We are also assured by the federal government that the oral testing kits are accurate. Thank you.

Question 207-18(3): Roadside Testing For Cannabis-Impaired Driving
Oral Questions

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

From what I have read, including in the report by Public Safety Canada on the effectiveness of these devices, their effectiveness is very much based on the training that the officers receive. Could the Minister please give us some details about how many officers in the territory are trained, maybe how many will be trained, and where these officers might be located, any details he can provide about the training?

Question 207-18(3): Roadside Testing For Cannabis-Impaired Driving
Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes, there are really two types of training. There is the standard field sobriety test called the SFST and, also, evaluations by drug recognition experts. Now, I understand that, currently, there are 10 SFST-trained officers who are located in Hay River, Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Behchoko, and there are also three drug recognition experts, two with the traffic division and one in Yellowknife Detachment. These numbers will doubtless change over time as officers are transferred in and out of the Northwest Territories, but we hope that these numbers will increase.

Question 207-18(3): Roadside Testing For Cannabis-Impaired Driving
Oral Questions

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

I believe the Minister said there were three drug recognition experts, and I think that is the type of training that I am talking about. Does the department have a plan to expand this training so that all officers receive it at some point, and can he give us some details on that plan?

Question 207-18(3): Roadside Testing For Cannabis-Impaired Driving
Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

I rather doubt that we would be training all officers, but three certainly does not seem to be very many. I understand that a funding proposal was launched in mid-February. They expect to finalize the proposal by March. The GNWT has been informed by Public Safety Canada that areas of funding will include -- I am reading here -- "investments to increase capacity of police services to train members as drug recognition experts (DRE), investments to increase capacity of police services to train members in standardized field sobriety testing, and investments to purchase oral fluid testing devices."

The federal government is taking this matter very seriously. They have clearly allocated funds. I am not sure how much money will be headed our way, but we will be making application for funds.

Question 207-18(3): Roadside Testing For Cannabis-Impaired Driving
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.

Question 208-18(3): 2018 Prospectors And Developers Association Of Canada Convention
Oral Questions

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment spoke of his recent attendance at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Conference, otherwise known as PDAC. Can he update the House as to his experience there and whether or not we are going to see some results from the conference? Thank you.

Question 208-18(3): 2018 Prospectors And Developers Association Of Canada Convention
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Question 208-18(3): 2018 Prospectors And Developers Association Of Canada Convention
Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I don't have a problem updating the House off of the top of my head here. We had a full slate of meetings over the last couple of days. We had an NWT event where we got to speak and have a bunch of panel discussions with NWT Indigenous corporations and industry. The Premier and I also attended and I got to be the keynote speaker at a CanNor event around CanNor's continued funding in the federal budget moving forward.

I have met with a number of stakeholders, toured the trade show booths, had an opportunity to meet with a number of people there, as well, and had an opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with some institutions on investing in the Northwest Territories. I also made a quick stop and got a quick update from the Canada Infrastructure Bank on where they are at in their process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 208-18(3): 2018 Prospectors And Developers Association Of Canada Convention
Oral Questions

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you to the Minister. It is always good to hear our Ministers are being productive when they are looking for more investment in our economy. One of the issues that PDAC lists as a key consideration is access to capital, and they note that exploration is the riskiest part of mineral development, with only 1 in 10 exploration projects leading to drilling and only 1 in 10,000 leading to a mine, and that access to capital and financial incentives is crucial to securing the success of those projects.

What is the Minister doing to ensure that exploration companies have access to capital? What is this government doing to ensure that?

Question 208-18(3): 2018 Prospectors And Developers Association Of Canada Convention
Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

As the Member knows, we have our staff within ITI to help them do that, but every time I have been to either Roundup or PDAC, I have made specific trips to Toronto to meet with industry stakeholders about investing in the Northwest Territories. It became quite clear to me early on, when I got this portfolio, about lack of information around devolution in particular, about the land and resources being transferred from the federal government to the Government of the Northwest Territories, that everywhere we go, no matter which one of us sits on this side of the House, we continually have to update people and inform people about the Northwest Territories, on our operations and who we are, what is here, and how things operate. That is the continued message that we have to give on a daily basis.

Someone actually just asked me at PDAC about something very similar around that. I gave them the prime example of around the transportation FPT table. When I became elected two-and-a-half years ago or somewhere thereabouts, I was probably the youngest guy at that table, being a junior minister. Now, two-and-a-half years later, I am probably the most senior person at that table, due just to election cycles in this country and changing out the government. You are continually updating people, informing them who we are and what we are all about, and how business is done in the NWT.

Question 208-18(3): 2018 Prospectors And Developers Association Of Canada Convention
Oral Questions

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

The question was about capital, but the Minister has moved on to another one of PDAC's concerns, which is access to land, which follows land availability, access to geoscience information, and the regulatory environment. I would like to ask questions about the quality of geoscience information that is available. I know this government has made significant improvements to geoscience. Can the Minister speak to that, and what is the feedback from stakeholders at PDAC on the quality and accessibility of our geoscience data?

Question 208-18(3): 2018 Prospectors And Developers Association Of Canada Convention
Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

In one of my speeches down there, I did talk about the geoscience data that is available in the Northwest Territories, and I am glad to say today that we announced at PDAC some of the data that is available online for geoscience information. Other jurisdictions do some of this stuff a lot differently than ours, but we inform the public about the extensive amount of work that has been done with us in partnership with the federal government. I explained to them about our large collection of core samples that we have now unveiled at the airport, one of the largest ones in the world of donated core samples, particularly around the diamond industry, and we will continue to inform people of what we have available in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 208-18(3): 2018 Prospectors And Developers Association Of Canada Convention
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.

Question 208-18(3): 2018 Prospectors And Developers Association Of Canada Convention
Oral Questions

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister touched on this previously, but the regulatory environment in the Northwest Territories is of course of deep concern for the mineral development industry. PDAC lists several concerns: the organizational model on processes adopted by relevant regulatory bodies, inadequate resources for regulatory bodies leading to delays in processing applications, and finally politically induced delays in the regulatory process. What is the Minister doing to ensure we have a sound regulatory process that does not lead to delays in advancing exploration of mineral resource development projects? Thank you.

Question 208-18(3): 2018 Prospectors And Developers Association Of Canada Convention
Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

To those comments, I want to say a couple of things, first of all, before I talk about the Mineral Resource Act. I have talked to many exploration companies and mining companies in the Northwest Territories, and this, for the most part, this is a very fictitious story, that our regulatory process is one that hinders exploration and development in the NWT. Yes, it has certainty around it. We have the federal side of it that we are trying to get control of through devolution. The Aboriginal governments have their process, but, at the end of the day, when you go through our process, it is lengthy, but it gives you certainty. The Government of the Northwest Territories is here to help guide industry through that process, and when, at the end of the day, you get your permit, you are permitted to do this.

A number of these people that I deal with on a day-to-day basis around the mining industry say, "Yes, you have a system that maybe not everybody agrees with, but we like it." We get the odd "bad apple," as we can put it, who doesn't like the system. It could be personalities. It could be investment dollars. It could be certain things, but, at the end of the day, I think we have a system that works, for the most part.

We are trying to make it better now, through devolution, with the Mineral Resource Act. We went out and did our consultation. We are working with the intergovernmental council. We will be going back out, reaching out to stakeholders, to industry, NGOs, Aboriginal governments. We are in the process of doing our draft legislation, and hopefully at the end of this Assembly, we will have a piece of legislation that is made in the NWT, that we can all be proud of. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 208-18(3): 2018 Prospectors And Developers Association Of Canada Convention
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Question 209-18(3): Targets For Summer Student And Internship Employment Opportunities
Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. Earlier today, the Minister of Finance made a statement about how GNWT is one of Canada's top employers for young people. I am wondering if the Minister can tell us whether our government has set specific targets for summer students for this year, or internships. Are there specific numbers that he can tell us about as targets for employment for internships and summer students? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Question 209-18(3): Targets For Summer Student And Internship Employment Opportunities
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Finance.

Question 209-18(3): Targets For Summer Student And Internship Employment Opportunities
Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe, in the internships, we do have a specific number, a goal that we try to reach. I will have to try to confirm that number. As far as summer students go, it is a moving number. I mean our goal is always to try to get as many as we got during our highest year. Last year, we had 349, so next year we would like to get 350. As long as we can beat it, the number from the year before, then that would be our goal on the summer student side. We have encouraged the departments to try to encourage their officials to try to bring on as many summer students as possible, and we will continue to do that, but I think we are trending in the right direction. The internship number, I think we have a specific target. I will confirm that, then share it with the Member.

Question 209-18(3): Targets For Summer Student And Internship Employment Opportunities
Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

I would like to thank the Minister of Finance for that response. Can you tell us whether there are specific appropriations or line items in each of the departmental budgets for summer students or interns?

Question 209-18(3): Targets For Summer Student And Internship Employment Opportunities
Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, my understanding, as far as the interns go, we do have, and I believe we have an appropriated number for that. Again, I will have to confirm that number. On the summer students, there is no specific appropriation for summer students. It is just part of our department's business, and, again, we do encourage them to try to bring on as many summer students as they can, but, as far as the actual appropriation for summer students, it is not in the budget.

Question 209-18(3): Targets For Summer Student And Internship Employment Opportunities
Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

I would like to thank the Minister of Finance again for that. If there is no appropriation or line item in the departmental budgets, do they have to find the money internally and take from various programs or divisions to come up with summer student funding? I would like to ask the Minister: how are the summer student positions funded within each of the departments?

Question 209-18(3): Targets For Summer Student And Internship Employment Opportunities
Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

A lot of the money that is used to fund summer students is through vacant positions that might be in the department, and the summer students would be on for, well, obviously, the summer. A lot of money for that is funded through vacant positions.

Question 209-18(3): Targets For Summer Student And Internship Employment Opportunities
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Question 209-18(3): Targets For Summer Student And Internship Employment Opportunities
Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I would like to thank the Minister again for that. I am wondering, though, if we can come up with some kind of incentive for departments to hire summer students. To just wait for vacant positions or see if they can scrape some money from various programs doesn't seem to me to be a very systematic or comprehensive way to fund these positions. Can the Minister commit to looking at perhaps a government-wide policy on summer student funding and setting targets and so on?

Question 209-18(3): Targets For Summer Student And Internship Employment Opportunities
Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, no, I would rather not set a specific target because that might be limiting us. Again, I will work with the departments to try to get as many summer students on as possible. We don't wait for vacant positions, but, if there is an opportunity, we use the funding for those vacant positions to bring on summer students, and it is kind of progressive employment. We get a lot of these summer students coming back year after year. I will confirm, but I would assume that some of these summer students actually turn out to be interns within the government system. I did commit to sharing some information with the Member on the number of interns. I will get that information put together, and I will share it with the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 209-18(3): Targets For Summer Student And Internship Employment Opportunities
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Question 210-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier on today, the honourable Member from the Deh Cho was asking the Minister of Lands some questions in regard to support for elders, and I would like to follow up on some of those questions. In some of the communities, the tax fees, elders don't have to pay taxes; their taxes are waived. Has the department looked at something similar for elders? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 210-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Lands.

Question 210-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member opposite is quite correct. In certain communities, homeowners who have reached 65 do have their taxes or a portion of their taxes waived, but that is taxation, and I think it is a program that is just about unique in Canada. No, we haven't been contemplating something similar for land lease fees, but we have of course contemplated lowering those fees and also giving our seniors a 50 per cent break on them.

Question 210-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

I thank the Minister for your answer. I know we are unique, with the high cost of living here in the Northwest Territories. I know the Minister and the lands department is looking at reducing to 5 per cent. Will the Minister look at 3 per cent, which then, if they give 50 per cent, it is only 1.5 per cent for an elder?

Question 210-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Of course, lease fees are fees for the exclusive use of the land, and they are based on the assessed value of the land. Of course, there are certain costs that are borne by the department. This is not a cash grab in any way. We think the reduction from 10 to 5 per cent is quite reasonable.

Question 210-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

I appreciate the Minister's viewpoint, but I don't agree with it. I think it seems to me we are taking money the residents, especially our elders, who are our foundation. Even if he is not going go to 3 per cent for across the Territories for land leases, will he get the department to look to see what the cost will be if we waive the land fees for our elders?

Question 210-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

The fees, in my view, when the contemplated reduction from 10 to 5 per cent goes through, are very reasonable. Again, they are fees that are assessed on the land value. If your property had a value of $40,000, which would be a very large lot, the 5 per cent of that would be $2,000. If you are a senior, it would be reduced to $1,000. I think those fees are reasonable. The government does have to collect revenue from some sources to fund all of our programs.

Question 210-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral Question. Member for Nahendeh.

Question 210-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister's answering that. Previously on this floor here, he said 10 per cent was reasonable in his opinion. Now we are going to 5 per cent. We are getting closer. Can the Minister get the department to look to see what it is going to cost the Government of the Northwest Territories if we waive the fee? That, to me, is reasonable for our elders, who have done a lot for us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 210-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Ten per cent was, on reflection, thought to be a little on the high side. Therefore, we are contemplating reducing it to 5 per cent, which I think is really very reasonable, as I say. In the example of the property that had the value of $40,000, 5 per cent of that would be $2,000. The seniors, in addition, could apply for a rebate. As I also mentioned earlier in response to another question, there is possible support through the Income Assistance Policy Manual. I don't think we are contemplating lowering it below 5 per cent, which is a reduction of 50 per cent from what it was. Thank you.

Question 210-18(3): Leasing Commissioner’s Lands To Elders
Oral Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral Question. Item 9, written questions. Item 10, returns to written questions. Mr. Clerk.

Return To Written Question 5-18(3): Sole Source Contract Details
Returns to Written Questions

Clerk Of The House (Mr. Mercer)

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question 5-18(3) asked by the Member for Yellowknife Centre on February 15, 2018, to the Minister of Infrastructure regarding sole-source contract details.

Mr. Speaker, last year, when the GNWT tendered out its bulk fuel requirements for delivery by barge for community and industrial customer resupply, the only bid received came from Imperial Oil Ltd. No other companies bid because they did not have access to Imperial Oil's proprietary infrastructure. Given that Imperial Oil is the only company with the infrastructure required to safely unload rail cars and reload barges in Hay River, the Department of Infrastructure decided to award sole source contracts 2865 and 2922 to Imperial Oil rather than issue a public tender for this work. Imperial Oil was able to provide even better pricing for the 2017 sailing season than it did for the previous year, resulting in over $600,000 in savings for the GNWT.

Mr. Speaker, with regards to sole-source contract 2949 with the Inuvialuit Development Corporation for "as and when financial advisory services," the decision to sole source this contact was prompted by the urgency of the required services to support Marine Transportation Services' 2017 shipping season. These services included setting up an accounting system, preparing monthly financial statements, and providing financial information for the development of a business plan for Marine Transportation Services. The reason for not sourcing these services in-house from GNWT advisors was that the person that provided services under the contract was a former Northern Transportation Company Ltd. senior manager who had in-depth knowledge of the management support systems designed for this marine operation and experience that was not available in-house.

With respect to sole-source contract 3559, "offshore recruiting services" refers to hiring qualified marine personnel for GNWT Marine Transportation Services, including marine officers and engineers, deckhands, engine room assistants, catering crew, navigational pilots, supervisors, and operational personnel. This contract was awarded to Offshore Recruiting Services Inc., a company with specialized expertise in this area, to ensure such a provider was in place well before the start of the 2017 sailing season to minimize risk, secure marine crews, and guarantee that GNWT Marine Transportation Services was able to operate in 2017. For the 2018 sailing season, these services were procured through a public procurement process and a contract is in the process of being awarded.

Mr. Speaker, prior to the start of the Stanton Territorial Hospital Renewal project, the Department of Infrastructure identified a requirement to procure project management services, instead of providing these services in-house. The department succeeded in awarding a contract for these services to Buffalo Canada Inc. through the public procurement process. However, as the project transitioned from procurement to construction, the principal of Buffalo Canada Inc. left the project due to personal reasons. At this time, the GNWT decided to terminate the contract with Buffalo Canada Inc. and award sole-source 2811 to the previously subcontracted project manager under the name Fireside Project Management Inc. to continue providing the same project management services and avoid delaying the project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Written Question 5-18(3): Sole Source Contract Details
Returns to Written Questions

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Returns to written questions. Item 11, replies to the Commissioner’s opening address. Item 12, petitions. Item 13, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 14, tabling of documents. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Tabled Document 107-18(3): Annual Report Of The Director Of Child And Family Services 2016-2017
Tabling of Documents

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled "Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services 2016-2017." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tabled Document 107-18(3): Annual Report Of The Director Of Child And Family Services 2016-2017
Tabling of Documents

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Tabling of documents. Minister of Infrastructure.

Tabled Document 108-18(3): Follow-Up Letter For Oral Question 68-18(3): Infrastructure Projects In The Mackenzie Delta
Tabling of Documents

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table to following document entitled "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 68-18(3): Infrastructure Projects in the Mackenzie Delta." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tabled Document 108-18(3): Follow-Up Letter For Oral Question 68-18(3): Infrastructure Projects In The Mackenzie Delta
Tabling of Documents

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Tabling of documents. Minister of Justice.

Tabled Document 110-18(3): Follow-Up Letter For Oral Question 96-18(3): Gangs In Correctional Centres In The NWT
Tabling of Documents

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table to following two documents entitled "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 84-18(3): Historical Case Unit within the RCMP" and "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 96-18(3): Gangs in Correctional Centres in the NWT." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tabled Document 110-18(3): Follow-Up Letter For Oral Question 96-18(3): Gangs In Correctional Centres In The NWT
Tabling of Documents

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Tabling of documents. Item 15, notices of motion. Member for Yellowknife North.

Motion 11-18(3): Appointment Of Human Rights Adjudication Panel Member
Notices of Motion

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that, on Thursday, March 8, 2018, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South, that Mr. Paul Parker of Yellowknife be recommended to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories for appointment as member of the Human Rights Adjudication Panel, effective immediately, for a term of four years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Motion 11-18(3): Appointment Of Human Rights Adjudication Panel Member
Notices of Motion

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Notices of motion. Member for Yellowknife North.

Motion 12-18(3): Appointment Of Human Rights Commission Member
Notices of Motion

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that, on Thursday, March 8, 2018, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, that Ms. Gail Cyr of Yellowknife be recommended to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories for appointment as a member of the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission, effective immediately, for a term of four years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Motion 12-18(3): Appointment Of Human Rights Commission Member
Notices of Motion

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Notices of motion. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Motion 13-18(3): Increasing Women’s Participation In The Legislative Assembly
Notices of Motion

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that, on Thursday, March 8, 2018, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Range Lake, that the Legislative Assembly supports the goal of increasing women's representation in the Legislative Assembly to 20 per cent by 2023 and 30 per cent by 2027; and, further, that Members of this Legislative Assembly work together and individually to identify and implement a wide range of strategies, including positive action, public debate, and training and mentoring for women as leaders to achieve these goals. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Motion 13-18(3): Increasing Women’s Participation In The Legislative Assembly
Notices of Motion

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Notices of motion. Item 16, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 17, motions. Item 18, first reading of bills. Item 19, second reading of bills. Item 20, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters: Committee Report 4-18(3), Standing Committee on Social Development Report on Adult Residential Addictions Treatment Facilities Tour 2017; Minister's Statement 1-18(3), North Slave Correctional Complex Inmate Concerns; Minister's Statement 19-18(3), Aurora College Foundational Review Process; Minister's Statement 32-18(3), Update on the Northwest Territories Disability Framework and Action Plan; Tabled Document 63-18(3), Main Estimates 2018-2019. By the authority given to me as Speaker by Motion 7-18(3), I hereby authorize the House to sit beyond the daily hour of adjournment to consider business before the House, with the Member for Hay River North in the chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

I now call the Committee of the Whole to order. What is the wish of committee? Mr. Beaulieu.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the committee would like to consider Tabled Document 63-18(3), Main Estimates 2018-2019 with the Department of Justice as the department under consideration. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Does committee agree?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. We will consider the document after a brief recess.

---SHORT RECESS

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

I will now Committee of the Whole back to order. Committee, we have agreed to consider Tabled Document 63-18 (3), Main Estimates 2018-2019, and look at the Department of Justice, which begins on page 269. I will turn to the Minister of Justice for any opening statements. Minister Sebert.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to present the 2018-2019 Main Estimates for the Department of Justice. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of $2.7 million or 2.2 per cent over the 2017-2018 Main Estimates.

In our mandate, our government defines commitments to support the RCMP. We recognize the integral part they play to keep our families safe, including the reduction of violence in family homes and supporting community priorities. We will continue to work collaboratively with the RCMP to find innovative ways to address operational and financial pressures in providing police services throughout our territory. This continues to be a priority of the department.

On this front, these estimates include just over $2.1 million in increases to support the Territorial Police Services Agreement. This includes $304,000 of initiatives funding to establish a Historical Case Unit to focus on unsolved murdered and missing person cases, and $289,000 in forced growth to add two RCMP officers for the Hay River detachment to meet public safety requirements and the needs of the communities they serve. An additional $1.744 million in forced growth for the RCMP will support compensation increases; the vehicle management program; the accommodation program charge, which is funding for maintaining buildings and living quarters and replacing detachments; and funding for national programs rate increases.

In addition, these estimates include $224,000 of initiatives funding, along with a $213,000 transfer from the RCMP to support the sheriff's office, which will be assuming the responsibility for prisoner security in the courthouse in Yellowknife. This initiative will establish four new sheriff's officer positions and alleviate pressures on RCMP resources.

Other highlights of the proposed estimates include reductions of $584,000, $478,000 of which result from restructuring the court reporter program, and a $616,000 increase arising from federal funding for the Access to Justice Services and the Indigenous Justice programs.

These estimates continue to support the priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly and will support the department in making progress on a range of initiatives such as continuing to implement innovative ways to prevent and reduce crime; bringing forward a bill to replace the Corrections Act that will strengthen the requirement for culturally appropriate programming and foster an environment that responds to offenders' needs for rehabilitation; and working with GNWT departments to ensure that the necessary policy, program, and legislative regimes are in place to support the legalization of cannabis in the Northwest Territories.

That concludes my opening remarks. I welcome questions from Members. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister Sebert. I understand you have witnesses you wish to bring into the Chamber. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses into the Chamber. Minister, you may join them at the witness table. Minister, will you please introduce your witnesses for the record?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. To my left is Mandi Bolstad, director of Corporate Services, and to my right is Martin Goldney, deputy minister. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Committee, we previously agreed to forgo opening comments. Does committee agree we again forego opening comments?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. The departmental total can be found on page 273, but we will consider that after consideration of the detail in the activities. There are eight activities in the Department of Justice, the first beginning on page 276, community justice and policing. Do Members for comments or questions? Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I just wanted to be sure that this is the right segment of the budget to discuss EPOs. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. Could the Minister please confirm?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Sure. Certainly. Yes, I confirm. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Green, when you use an acronym, when anyone in the House uses an acronym, if you would please at least for the first time let us know what you're referring to? It makes it easier on those following along at home. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, my questions are about Emergency Protection Orders, also known as EPOs. I understand that there is some research going on with respect to Emergency Protection Orders in which the department is collaborating. Could the Minister please tell us more about that project? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm not entirely certain which project the Member is referring to. I wasn't aware of specific research on that issue. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, in a letter the Minister sent in November in response to an oral question I asked, he said that there was a study called "An Initiative to Investigate Effectiveness of Emergency Protection Orders in the NWT." This is continued research funded by the Family Violence Initiative Fund administered by the RCMP National Crime Prevention Services. That's the project I'm referring to. I'm wondering if the Minister can give us any detail on when we're going to see the results of this, and what will happen with the results from a departmental perspective. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you. Frankly, I'm not aware of this research. However, if research is being conducted on this issue, I think we'd be prepared to share the results of that research with committee. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. If the Minister needs time to flip through his briefing binder to find this type of information, just let me know. We can always take a recess, but I'll go back to Ms. Green. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I'm not sure what the gap in information is here. I realize the Minister is busy and sees a lot of documents, but this is something that he described in a letter that was sent in November. If he could make a commitment to come back to us with more information on this study. As I say, the timing of the completion, what will happen with the results, that would be very helpful. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. Was that a tabled document? Do you have the name of that document?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

The name of this document is Oral Question 10-18(3): Emergency Protection Orders, and it's dated November 23, 2017.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. Is there anything further, Ms. Green?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. No, I don't have any additional questions on emergency protection orders. That's everything for now. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. Anything further from committee on community justice and policing? Mr. Vanthuyne.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm wondering if the department can take this opportunity to inform us how well the community policing plans have been going? Does everybody have current plans submitted to the department, and can they share with us, maybe, what some of the overarching concerns are that communities have with regard to policing, in particular those communities that do not have police situated right in their communities? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I understand that all NWT communities do have policing action plans. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Mr. Vanthuyne.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I also ask what are the communities' concerns stemming from those plans, and in particular, the communities that do not have police situated directly in their communities? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Vanthuyne. Further detail, Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes. Certainly, Mr. Chair. I think that family violence is a concern of virtually all of the communities, and the communities that do not have detachments often have concerns about access to RCMP. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Vanthuyne.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The community governments having shared those plans around raising those concerns, what is the department doing to address those concerns? I appreciate there's a lot of work being done as it relates to overcoming family violence, but in particular the communities that have no police presence, is there a long-term vision to either have more visits and/or permanently situate RCMP in the communities? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes, Mr. Chair, and those communities that do not actually have a detachment, of course, the communities work with the RCMP to ensure that there is police coverage. So there is police coverage throughout all of the communities in the Northwest Territories. I know that in one or two, McPherson in particular, the level of police visits has been increased because there's now a residence in that community. Well, of course, the RCMP complete their consultation with the community leaders before the policing action plan is established, so they do hear the concerns of the communities and address them. As I mentioned, one that always seems to come up is family violence; bootlegging is also often a concern, particularly in the more remote communities. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Vanthuyne.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you. No further questions.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd just like to follow up on some questions that Mr. Vanthuyne was asking in regard to my riding. In the communities, not Fort Liard, not Fort Simpson, and not Wrigley, but the other three communities, do we have a number of visits that they're supposed to be allocated per year? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just to go through the number of patrols; there's a series of them. Perhaps I can just read them in. In Colville Lake, there were 14 patrols in 2015; in 2016, there were eight; and in 2017, there were 15. In Wrigley, I see that there were 24 patrols in 2015; 25 in 2016; and, again, 25 in 2017. Of course that would be out of the Fort Simpson detachment. In Sambaa K'e, there were six patrols in 2015, three patrols in 2016, and seven patrols in 2017. In Nahanni Butte, there were 11 patrols in 2015; 15 patrols in 2016; and apparently we don't have the information from last year yet. Jean Marie River, there were eight patrols in 2015, eight in 2016, and nine in 2017. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

I thank the Minister for that answer. I guess my question is: are these scheduled patrols or are they on demand when people phone them in? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Clearly, in part, they would be on demand. If something came up that required the presence of the RCMP, they would attend. Otherwise, there is a schedule, but that's not for public consumption. It's probably better as far as policing for the patrols to be somewhat irregular and not known to the general public. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, and I understand you don't want to be showing the schedule, but I guess my question, though, is: does each community get "X" amount of visits per year, not including the patrols? I'm actually saying, it is scheduled to go in there. The people say overnight, they actually meet with Council, they meet with the people. Do these things happen? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. I understand that it depends somewhat on operational requirements and the ability to have residences for them to stay in, but again, we are confident that these communities, even if they don't have a detachment, are being properly policed by the RCMP. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I thank the Minister for that answer. I understand there are feelings towards this, but when leadership asks, you know, are the RCMP, on a regular basis, especially smaller communities, they're looking for a presence; and when I'm saying "a presence," it's also good PR working with them, working with the schools, making sure it's more of a positive relationship. So does the Minister, when they talk to the RCMP, discuss this option? I'll leave it with that right now, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. It's not as though the police are only going to these communities in response to criminal activities. So when they do go to the communities, I know their presence is known. I know that, in some of the communities, whether there's a detachment or not, the police are not as busy as they might be, they are quite involved in the communities. So I have no concern about that. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Can the Minister then work with the department and work with the RCMP and provide us with an update -- it can be confidential -- on how many visits they go into the smaller communities, and some of the things that they do besides police work? In other words, besides the investigations and that, some of the things that they do. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In response to an earlier question, I did identify the number of visits that the RCMP were making. Clearly these were not all in response to offences in the community, but I would be happy to bring over somebody to meet with committee, should committee wish, from the RCMP to discuss what goes on apart from the regular policing in the communities. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the Minister's commitment on that. I guess, would it be easier just for me to work with the detachment in Fort Simpson to see what is going on there and work with them on this matter? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Well, generally speaking, I think it would be better to work through the Yellowknife office, where the commanding officer is. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Now, in regard to Wrigley, because they have a position that is stationed in Fort Simpson, does the department actually work with them to make sure that they get the allocations of number of visits that are supposed to be there? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

As I mentioned, there were approximately 25. Over the last few years, it does seem to be an average of 24 or 25 visits per year, but I understand that, from the Fort Simpson detachment, they do work on the planning for these visits. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I thank the Minister for that. I am not looking at the number of visits; I am looking at the durations that they are in the community. Is it 25 visits where they just come in for a day and they leave, or is it over an expanded period of time? How many days are they in the community? I guess that is the question I should be asking. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

I am not certain of the duration of the patrols. I was under the impression that that might be about a day each, but I understand that there was some discussion with the Fort Simpson detachment about increasing the number of patrols. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate that. The big thing is that, without the police presence, sometimes the nurses don't want to be staying there. There is a safety issue for them. Will the Minister work with the Health Minister and try to coordinate travel where the nurses can go in there at the same time, and help that out? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

I am always willing to work with the Minister of Health. I don't know whether it would be appropriate or would suit the RCMP to travel in at the same time, but I can discuss that with the Minister. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson. Nothing further from Mr. Thompson. Seeing nothing further, I will call this activity. On page 277, Justice, community justice and policing, operations expenditure summary, activity total, $5,445,000. Does committee agree?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Next, corrections, beginning on page 280. It's a $36 million item. Comments or questions from committee? Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the Standing Committee on Social Development had the opportunity to visit a place called Guthrie House at the Nanaimo Correctional Centre. It is a therapeutic community within a corrections setting. I know the Minister has been there as well. I wonder if he could give us an update on the planning that is taking place to pilot a model such as Guthrie House within the NWT corrections? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I also was impressed by my visit to Guthrie House when I was there in the latter part of last year. I understand we have developed a working group to look into the possibility of having a similar facility in the Northwest Territories. It is fairly preliminary, but I can say that, when the department went down, I think I can speak for the others who were with me, we were all impressed with Guthrie House and certainly would be considering such a model in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. It is good news that there is a working group looking into a similar program in the NWT. Can the Minister give us any more specifics around who is on the working group, what they have been asked to do, when they are going to report on it, when there may be an ask in the business plan to fund the pilot, that kind of detail? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. If I could defer that question to Mr. Goldney, I think he could give more detail. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and yes, the working group is very active, comprised primarily of officials from our corrections division. We have also included staff members at the South Mackenzie Correctional Centre, and we do have the support of -- apologies, I forget the position, but we do have assistance with an official from the Department of Health and Social Services, from their mental health and addictions section, helping to evaluate potential program design and doing some preliminary costing.

We are very encouraged by the results that we are seeing so far from our look at the potential for this model to be applied at one of our institutions. The work will also include a program design that makes sense for the Northwest Territories, so we do anticipate that there will be changes to the model that we saw in the context of British Columbia in Nanaimo, but we are very encouraged by the results that we are seeing so far.

We are also looking at our inmate population and trying to keep point-in-time assessments of what kind of numbers we might have for our inmate population that could benefit from a program like this. We do recognize that we have some challenges in applying the Guthrie model wholesale, so we will have to consider things like the amount of time our inmates are available to us, but so far we are very encouraged that we will be able to come forward with a model that makes sense. We will have some more information on what the potential cost implications might be.

I would just also add that we have met with staff at the South Mackenzie Correctional Centre who were also very encouraged by the potential this program might offer or a program like this might offer. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you. I would like to thank the witness for the detail on that. Could he just now fill in a little bit around the timing? At what point does he anticipate the department will be ready to come forward looking for money to fund a pilot? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Certainly, our objective is to model this and cost this out so that we would be in a position to make changes in our next business plan. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I look forward to seeing that in the next business plan.

I recognize that there are challenges around time served. That was true in Guthrie House, as well. The inmates needed to be there for four months in order for the program to be successful. Another dimension of that program was that the John Howard Society actually was the staff support within the facility. What are the witness' thoughts on how to deal with those two potential challenges? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. One of the things that encourages us is the evolution going on within corrections right now to provide more modular programming and ongoing support for offenders once they are released from our facilities, and we are doing work within our probation services to provide that support.

We will certainly be looking at community partners as options to help deliver programs as offenders transition away from our facilities. We do recognize that one of the initial hurdles will be that peer support that seems to be a key feature to the success of the therapeutic community model, so we will be very interested in options that might assist on that front, but we do recognize that as a challenge. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Those are the challenges, and I am happy to hear that they are being considered up front. One of the real successes that Guthrie House has is working with residents to find them housing. They start working on the question of where they are going to be released to, almost from the time they come into Guthrie House. The idea there is that no one would be released into homelessness. I would like to know whether the department is also making this a priority; that is, where are inmates going to be released? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I understand we do that with our case managers now, but there are some challenges. One of the challenges being the shortage of available housing for anybody, and particularly in the smaller communities. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, if I recall correctly from Guthrie House, what the John Howard staff do there is set people up with market housing and then find the support to help pay for the market housing. Is that something that the Minister could look at for those inmates who are being discharged into communities with market housing?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Mr. Chair, yes, we could look at it. We have to be always cognizant that there are others looking for housing, and we do have it generally in the Northwest Territories, a shortage of housing, so there are some challenges, but we can look at it. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am happy to hear that the Minister is willing to do that. What we heard from the inmates we met was that this was critical to their success. Rather than being discharged into the same kind of housing situation that they left when they originally got into trouble, they would be in a place over which they had control of who was in and out, and what was going on within the place. I recognize that this is an investment, keeping people in their own homes at a cost of, let's say, the average rent for a two-bedroom in Yellowknife, which is around $1,650. It is a lot cheaper than keeping them incarcerated. I hope that the Minister, in looking at this initiative, also take into account a cost benefit analysis of incarceration versus release into market housing. I wonder if he has a comment on that? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. Clearly, there is a benefit to people not being incarcerated, because that is a very expensive housing option, if I can put it that way. Again, the challenge we face is the shortage of housing, and it might be difficult to suggest that our inmates upon release should get some priority over others. That is the problem we are going to be facing. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green, your time has expired. Mr. Testart.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am just wondering: what is the total allocation for this budget for corrections officer training? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Testart. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I don't think we have the exact figure, but we can get it for you. I think it is broken up between different locations. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Testart.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Mr. Chair, the issue of correctional officer training has been raised in this Assembly before. It has been a concern of many of the staff at the facility. The Minister is quite aware of this. I am surprised that he does not have those numbers here. Can he give an approximation of the resources dedicated to training in this budget? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I don't have an exact figure, as I mentioned previously, but out estimate is it is about $250,000. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Testart.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Has that number increased from last year's budget?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Again, it was an estimate, Mr. Chair, but I understand it is about the same as the previous year. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Testart.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Again, training concerns were identified as a key issue by staff at the correctional facility, who contacted Regular Members raising their concerns. How is the Minister addressing those concerns around staff training in this budget? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

I can explain that management of the facility has been working with the corrections officers, so hopefully they have identified a manner in which the training can be delivered most effectively, which is better for both the management and staff. We are aware of this issue. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Testart.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you. The Minister is aware of this issue. I am asking the Minister how he is addressing this issue, departmental resources. I will be specific. With the elimination of a dedicated rec officer, and now the expectation that all corrections officers will perform recreational programming at the facility, what training resources had been allocated to ensure officers are trained to offer recreational programming to all offenders? I am not talking about supervising a basketball game. I am talking about the same level of service that they receive from dedicated recreation program officers at the facility who are now gone. What training is in place to ensure that all corrections officers can deliver that programming? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. There has been a redesign of that program. The training provided to corrections officers is to ensure the safety and well-being of all of the offenders. We are very confident that we have adequate training in place. We have encountered some resistance to this shift, in part because of this misunderstanding that we are imposing new duties and new requirements on corrections officers. The reality is that we are not asking corrections officers when they are performing that role of supervising inmates during the recreational activity to do anything like serve as their personal trainer or their activity coordinator. They are there to ensure the security and safety of inmates during those activities. We do think we built awareness, understanding, and appreciation of that shift, and that adequate training is in place. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Testart.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. What recreational programming was being provided by the recreational program officer? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The recreational program officer did not just supervision of the inmates, but would organize often some activities akin to intramurals. Those really are no longer available, largely because the shift in the inmate population requiring greater security and less frequent contact, so a decision was made that it really didn't make operational sense to continue to facilitate and encourage those kinds of activities. Hence, the shift that we have seen. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Testart.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This is the first that I have been aware of a shift in security requirements at the facility. Can I get some clarification on that? Are we elevating the security requirements at the facility as a result of changes to the Corrections Act, changes to policies? What exactly is the source of the shift? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

I think the change has been driven by the change of the composition of the inmate population, but I will let Mr. Goldney expand on that.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will apologize in advance for speaking in generalities, because we are somewhat constrained when we get into the operational detailing of security requirements, but the Minister is quite right. There has been an evolution in our inmate population where we do see with more frequency the requirement for things like no-contact orders. We have seen a dramatic increase, as have many other jurisdictions, in the percentage of our inmates who are on remand. Many of them might have co-accused or other reasons for not being allowed contact with other inmates, and that is part of the shift that we have seen. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Testart.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. It seems like this issue could have been avoided if those changes were properly communicated. My understanding was, again, that this was a cost-cutting measure and not a result of security changes. What is the department doing to ensure that those kinds of changes that are altering the duties of correctional officers who are working at that facility are effectively communicated and understood? I know the deputy minister spoke to his belief that the officers are better informed, but what policies have they put in place to ensure those operational changes are properly understood by staff? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

First of all, Mr. Chair, I want to say that there have been no financial reductions at the corrections facilities that I am aware of, and I also understood that senior staff are meeting with corrections officers on a regular basis to inform them of any changes in programming. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. The question was regarding policy changes. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As part of the regularized meetings between the warden and senior officials within corrections with corrections officers, we certainly recognize that we did need to improve appreciation and understanding of the policy changes that were being reflected in the program delivery. That is occurring more frequently and more regularly. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Testart.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you. I will just conclude that. Previous to what is going on now, has the frequency changed? What I am getting at is: are we doing anything differently from before these changes went in place? Is there any way that they can provide some details on how they have made a meaningful change in how communication is going from headquarters to the facility? It is fine to hear we are doing a better job, but in the absence of policy or numbers in this budget, I would like some assurances. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Testart. The time has expired, but I will allow the witnesses to respond. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes, I understand that there are more meetings between senior staff and corrections officers than there once were. Hopefully, these problems, if they are problems, won't recur in the future. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. McNeely.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We had a lot of discussion last calendar year on a number of events that happened, and now we are discussing the physical budget for the coming year for this department.

I get the feeling, and if the Minister could confirm: is there an in-house program review being conducted to include, and I would encourage, I would say, three operational components to this review? One is rehabilitation programming delivery, reintegration program delivery, and looking at the staff of the department.

The staff could include a succession plan here. As the Minister will recall, we had a long-service award ceremony on February 8th. If some of the staff individuals, employees, are getting to the year of their retirement, we should include a succession plan for the staff component of this in-house program review. Will the Minister confirm if there is one being done? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes, of course, the issue of succession planning is very important. I know that every year or few years there are no graduates of the program who have decided to pursue a career in corrections. There is succession planning from that point of view. Perhaps I will let the deputy minister expand on that a bit. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In addition to the succession planning concern, we are very mindful of the need to manage that the best that we can. We do offer corrections training to encourage people to pursue careers in corrections. We also take time to identify potential succession and to offer training through transfer assignments, to the extent we can try to avoid a situation where there are gaps in the delivery of our services.

As far as the ongoing review of programs and services that the Member raises, I am pleased to report that one of the key recommendations coming from the Auditor General's review of our corrections services has been implemented, and that was around the need for a performance and accountability framework, which is very much intended to provide that ongoing review to ensure that our programs and services within the facilities and within our corrections services are being delivered as intended. That framework has just been rolled out this year and has already seen some reviews of programs and services, and we expect that to continue and to help keep us on track. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. McNeely.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thanks for the reply there. I look forward to, as we move forward, progress reports from the department or briefings on the progress that is being made for program delivery. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. McNeely. That was more of a comment. Next, I have Mr. Beaulieu.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, in this section, there are almost 250 employees. I was wondering if the department has an affirmative action plan to increase the number of priority one candidates in the public service in this particular section. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes. Of course, we follow the direction of the territorial government with respect to affirmative action programs. I understand that, of the 329, which includes relief workers, there are 119 Indigenous Aboriginal, 57 Indigenous non-Aboriginal, and 153 non-Aboriginal. Yes, we would like to increase the number of Indigenous Aboriginal corrections officers. We do make efforts to encourage them to apply.

I don't think we are too much different from the government as a whole. We follow the same policies. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Beaulieu.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the individuals who are in corrections, the inmates, the majority of inmates, I believe, are in Indigenous inmates. I felt that it would be a good opportunity for Indigenous employees who will be working in the corrections facilities, and even in as far as coming from the communities where the individuals are incarcerated, as they would know each other, and so on.

Aside from just following the Affirmative Action Policy, which has been basically a program that has just failed all the time forever, it's been, I think, the numbers that are around 30 per cent. That roughly sounds like about 30 per cent from what the Minister just said, although I didn't calculate it. It sounds like it's about that area. I know that they have a program where they bring correction officers into the mix, but a more interactive approach to trying to actually work on getting the numbers up, other than just following a policy that has been failing this government for years.

I'd like to know if there's anything other than saying we follow the Affirmative Action Policy at GNWT to fill positions, if there's anything other than that from corrections from this section. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As I did mention, we do follow the lead of the territorial government and our numbers are probably somewhat similar to their success rates, if I can put it that way. Overall, certainly we would be always interested in looking at new approaches to increase those numbers, but as I say, currently we're following the general lead of the territorial government with respect to its Affirmative Action Policy. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Beaulieu.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, one of the, I think, important maybe objectives or goals of the government should be to try to reduce the rate of repeat offenders. I recognize that, in the past, from my hometown we have had quite a few correction officers, many of whom are retired at this point, working in the system. I found that they have lots of discussions with the individuals who are serving a sentence in corrections and trying to have those discussions so that those guys don't return.

I'm asking the Minister, I guess, other than just following the regular process, which is failing, a process that doesn't work, we could do nothing and have numbers of 30 per cent in the GNWT who are individuals who would be considered priority one. Other than doing nothing or following the GNWT Affirmative Action Policy, is this department doing anything to increase the number of correction officers who have priority one status? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Minister, you've already noted that the GNWT follows the Affirmative Action Policy and you are on par with the rest of the GNWT. Do you have anything further to Mr. Beaulieu's questions?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Mr. Goldney does.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I can say that we wholeheartedly agree with the importance of having Aboriginal corrections officers and the value in having corrections officers to serve as models for our offenders. That's something that we do recognize and one of the reasons why we wholeheartedly endorse and encourage the following of the Affirmative Action Policy when we're looking at hiring, when we're looking at intake for training.

A further recognition, and I think the Member noted the value of having those role models serve and the ability for offenders to connect with the people who share their values. We also have traditional liaison workers in our facilities to try and encourage that connection even further, so it's not just upon the corrections officers. We do recognize that need and do invest in that effort. We do hope to see the numbers continue to improve on the Affirmative Action front. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Beaulieu.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I'm wondering if corrections has anybody in the associate director program, the development program set up by GNWT to try to increase the number of senior managers with the priority one status in the GNWT. I'm wondering if this department, I'm not talking about the whole department, but particularly the section, whichever directors or managers or wardens, whatever the positions may be called, I don't know, but there is a program. The program development where they have associate directors.

Does this section have any of those positions placed in any of the corrections facilities that we have or the corrections headquarters, the people responsible for corrections who are not actually working out of the facilities, if any of those individuals exist in the department? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

I'm not certain whether we have any employees in the program that was referenced by the Member, but I know there are people on transfer assignments. I don't know whether Mr. Goldney wants to add anything to that. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I don't believe we have anybody in the associate director program at the moment. We have taken advantage of opportunities to further the careers and development of our Aboriginal employees through transfer assignments to build their experience and allow them to gain experience at more senior levels. That is something that we actively encourage and will continue to do so. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Nothing further from Mr. Beaulieu. Seeing nothing further, I will call this activity on page 281. Mr. Vanthuyne.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm sorry I didn't put my hand up earlier. A few questions. Again, I'm going to go back to aspects with regard to training. I don't think that the department takes this lightly in any way, shape, or form. I recognize that they understand the importance of matters that have gone on recently in terms of concerns raised by inmates as well as officers with regard to particularly the North Slave Correctional Centre. I'm going to make some degree of assumption in saying that there are some similar challenges in maybe some of our other facilities. In my view, it comes down to really how strong we're doing on our communications and on our training.

I don't think that my honourable colleague from Kam Lake went so far as to ask what types of training we actually undertake for our officers. I know that could be vast, but I mean can the Minister maybe start by explaining to us what the basic forms of training our officers require, and are our officers currently all up to date on that training? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Of course, training is an ongoing concern and a lifetime occupation. Some of the areas that in particular we have concentrated on recently is training in the area of de-escalation techniques, violence prevention, and responsibilities around the use of force. This training is ongoing. Of course, there is always regular training going on, but those are things that we've been concentrating on in addition to the regular training of late. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Vanthuyne.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, I appreciate hearing that there is some training going on as it relates to arrest training and the use of force. I recognize that was a concern, that some officers were recognizing that there just seems to be kind of a culture to want to take an aggressive approach first rather than taking the verbal approach. How about verbal judo? Is this something that the officers undertake? Is that a form of training that is required? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I understand that verbal judo, as it was referred to, would be a part of de-escalation techniques. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Vanthuyne.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Are all of our officers first aid certified? Thank you, Mr. Chair

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

I am not certain of the answer that. I don't think they would all have to be first aid certified, but I can get back to the Member on that. I don't have any exact information on that. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Vanthuyne.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Maybe the better question is: on a per-shift basis, how do we deal with first aid response? Is there medical staff there, or is there a dedicated supervisor who has first aid training, something of that nature? How are we making sure that first aid is being addressed? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Again, not getting into too much detail on the staffing component, I can provide the assurance that there is always somebody available with the training necessary to respond to first aid situations and recognizing that, for a good portion of the day, there are also nursing services available. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Vanthuyne.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Chair. It is good to know. I want to move maybe a little bit into asking a bit about, from maybe a supervisory role or a managerial role, how we actually observe our officers' performance. Are there annual reviews? Are there some means by which we assess potential deficiencies or shortcomings amongst our officers and make sure that they are all brought up to the proper level of training? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, the supervisors are responsible for ensuring that performance is maintained and for the identification of deficiencies. I will note that we have struggles in getting our completion rate for the annual required performance reviews for employees. Some of this is just a reality of the shift work and the nature of our operations being dissimilar from other government jobs that have the benefit of easy computer access. It is something that we are working with the Department of Finance to improve. Absent the formal performance assessments that are required, the supervisors do keep track of the performance of those under them. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Vanthuyne.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As part of that, do we have any kind of identification of where someone might have, let's call it, a shortcoming of sorts? Is there an internal mentoring-type program of any kind where we have officers with more experience who are going to spend a shift with those with less experience? Is there any kind of that kind of mentoring, for lack of a better term, going on? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. That is a factor considered in the design of the shift team. We do try to maintain that level of experience so we can have employees benefit from working closely with those who have had more experience. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Vanthuyne.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Can officers request training? If an officer feels that they have particular shortcomings and they want to upgrade themselves, improve their skills, is there a way for them to make official requests, and will the department pay for them to have their training undertaken? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, we do allow officers to identify areas where they might want the benefit of additional training. That is provided as appropriate. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Vanthuyne.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Now, let's talk for a moment about the amount of staff available with respect to what you can tell us. There have been concerns that there have been a number of folks who have had to work double shifts, maybe in some instances even triple shifts. There should have been or could have been times when call-outs could have been made to have off-duty officers come in and take on some of those shifts. Are there reasons why we ask people to do double shifts when we have officers in waiting who might be able to come on with fresh minds, feeling rested, could come on and do a shift? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes. Certainly, we have identified that as an issue, which, of course, led to, apart from possible employee burnout, a bit of a jump up in our overtime amounts. We are trying to address that. We are hoping that is in process right now. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Vanthuyne.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

I only have a few seconds left. I just want to go over to communications for a moment. It seems to me, like I mentioned earlier, that a lot of the concerns that have been raised are directly related to communications. It seems that there also is a lack of a plan. Does the actual North Slave Correctional Institute or the department have an actual communications plan? I am not saying, "will do a better job." I am asking: is there an actual communications plan that has to be followed? This is an institute that places orders often. How do we get from managerial level to supervisory level, down to officer level, and back up efficiently and effectively? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Vanthuyne. Your time has expired, but I will allow the department to respond. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Apologies for leaving the impression in perhaps my earlier responses that there wasn't a plan in place. In fact, there was a work plan developed to respond to some of the concerns that we were hearing from corrections officers. I wouldn't call the policies and procedures that we have put in place in response to that a communications plan, but there has been attention given to improvements to our procedures in the way we communicate with our officers. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Justice, corrections, operations expenditure summary, activity total, $36,789,000. Does committee agree?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Moving on to activity three of eight, court services, beginning on page 284. Mr. Vanthuyne.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think that this would be the activity where recently the department announced that they had brought on a couple more sheriffs and/or are going to be bringing on a couple more sheriffs to help as it relates to court services. I just want to give credit where credit is due. For many years, a long time ago in fact, as a city councillor on the Yellowknife Area Police Advisory Committee, I had a concern with Yellowknife detachment RCMP being used for some levels of court services, primarily as it related to transferring inmates or prisoners. I want to commend the department for taking that initiative so that Yellowknife RCMP can stay focused on their jobs, which is obviously the safety of citizens of Yellowknife and, in particular, during peak hours. I just wanted to acknowledge that and say "thank you" to the department for that investment. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Would the Minister like to respond?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes, this change was the subject of several studies and made eminent good sense for just the reasons mentioned by the Member. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Anything further from Mr. Vanthuyne?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Sorry, nothing further, Mr. Chair. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Nothing further. Mr. O'Reilly.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I think this is the section of the budget where the court reporters are going to be eliminated, for $478,000. Can I just confirm that with the Minister? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

I can confirm there is a reduction of $478,000, as was mentioned, in the court reporter program.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. I would ask you to wait until the light is on before you begin speaking. Mr. O'Reilly.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Can I get the Minister to explain in plain language how will court transcripts be kept now and who will pay for that service? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Basically, what has happened here, there is a change in the technology. As I understand it, at all levels of court, the proceedings will be recorded, but there will only be an actual court reporter in the courtroom with respect to certain matters, for example jury trials. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Mr. O'Reilly.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. That is helpful to know but I don't think it answers my question. Who will pay for transcripts if they are required? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, we still have a per pay transcription fee that we do pay. In certain civil cases, I assume, it might be paid for by the lawyers involved, but there will be a cost for us.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I think we are getting a little bit closer. It is up to any of the parties involved in the court case, then, to pay for transcripts if they request them or need them in some way? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes. Generally speaking, that is correct. If the party wants a transcript, they generally have to pay for it.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Anything further, Minister?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

In addition, I understand that they will be able to get an audio version if they request. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Thanks to the Minister. I guess I am a little bit worried here that if this new way of doing transcripts is going to possibly present a barrier to access to justice. If a lawyer or defendant believes that they require, they need, transcripts to appeal a decision, they are going to get stuck with that cost now? Is this any different than our existing system right now? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

There is really no change from the current system except that people may take the option of getting the audio version. Also, too, with respect to appeals, particularly in criminal matters, if they are legal aid funded, I imagine, well, legal aid will pay for the cost of getting the transcript. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. If they are not legal aid funded, it might be more of a barrier. Has the department done any analysis of whether this is going to present a barrier with regard to access to justice, and, if so, could that be shared? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We are not anticipating any additional barrier. We do expect the transcript fees to operate under this new model just as they do now. I think the one difference we will be tracking will be, and the Minister mentioned this, in addition to generating transcripts, there will be a transcript coordinator who will be responsible for generating those from the audio recordings, but there will also be an option for interested persons to secure a copy of the audio recordings. It actually might make it easier for folks, and spare them the cost of transcript generation if they are able to instead just satisfy themselves with an audio recording. For some purposes, they may still require a transcript, but that isn't a change from the way it works now. Moving forward, we will certainly monitor the utilization of both transcripts and the provision of recordings. We might anticipate less demand for people to pay for the transcript services. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister Sebert.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Essentially, we are doing what other jurisdictions have done some time ago, so this is quite usual in jurisdictions down south. Also, too, many of the decisions of the courts can be accessed on CanLii for no cost, so that won't change. Those cases will still be published, but, if you want a transcript of the whole trial, you may well be looking at some considerable cost. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I understand this has been done in other jurisdictions. I guess I still haven't got an answer about whether this is going to impact access to justice. If other jurisdictions have done this, what has been their experience with access to justice going this route? Has the department considered or done any analysis of what the experience is in other jurisdictions? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

We are not anticipating that this will cause any difficulties or reduce access to justice. We haven't done a study of other jurisdictions, but certainly the ones nearest to us and most of them in Canada have gone to this type of system. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Mr. O'Reilly.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I guess I remain to be convinced. Is this simply to just cut $478,000 out of the Department of Justice budget? That is one thing, but I haven't heard any evidence that the Minister of the department can cite that this is not going to adversely impact access to justice. If there is some kind of evidence from other jurisdictions, if they intend to track this and report on it, that would be helpful. I haven't seen any evidence. Is there any evidence that this is not going to adversely impact access to justice? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Well, we simply don't think that this will affect access to justice at all. I think those jurisdictions to the south of us that have gone to this type of system have not decided to go back to the old system of having a court reporter present in virtually all court proceedings. We simply don't think it is necessary anymore. I don't think it affects access to justice. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I am thankful for the Minister's thoughts on this. I heard what he thinks about this. That is great, but I want some evidence, and I haven't seen any. The department doesn't seem to produce any, so I would remain concerned about this cut. Thanks, Mr. Chair. [Microphone turned off]... the Minister of the department, because I have asked several times, and they don't seem to be able to produce any evidence. Thanks.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. O'Reilly. Justice, court services. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. On page 285, it talks about the justice of the peace program here. I know that we have seen raises for the judges and that. Has the justice of the peace program been looked at? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

I don't think that has been looked at recently. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. How do the justice of the peace increments occur? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

I am not aware of increments being paid on the basis of experience. I know that, certainly, the responsibilities of the justice of the peace move up as they take on more responsibilities.

I will get back to the Member on that, should he wish, but we think that the rates of pay might be set by regulation. I will look into that and get back to the Member.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the Minister giving me that commitment to get back to me on it. From my understanding, they have regulations, but it is never incremented the way the judges are. There is an increment paid, and they come back and do it. When was the last time that justices of the peace have seen an increase for their valuable work? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you. I simply don't have that information before me. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I appreciate that. Will the Minister make a commitment to get back to committee with that information? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. I think we can make that commitment that we will get back to committee or the Member with that information. I think we can probably obtain it fairly easily. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Just to reiterate for the record, you think you can get it back to the Member or committee. Would you please commit to either getting it back to the Member or getting it back to the committee? The Member is looking for a commitment. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

I can get back to committee. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

You commit to getting it back to the committee. Is that correct, Minister?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes that is correct. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the Minister making that commitment on that. In regard to that, is there a plan in place to address this incrementation for JPs so that it is reviewed at the same time that judges are or something like that? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. There is no current plan to do that. It is important to remember that judges' salaries are set by a committee. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate that. I apologize to the Minister. I didn't hear that correctly. Could he say it again? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes. The judges' salaries go to a committee, called a Judicial Remuneration Committee, to remove the political element from what otherwise might be negotiations, but we aren't contemplating a similar system for the justices of the peace at this time or a review of their salaries or payments at this time. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, I am well aware of the process, and I thank the Minister for telling us that. Are we going to be using this committee, or is the department going to be reviewing this issue? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

No, we wouldn't be using the Judicial Remuneration Committee to examine the salaries, but we will examine what the current salary situation is. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Is there a rationale as to why they are not going to use this committee? I mean, it is trying to make it depoliticalized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. There is a long history of the separation of the executive and the legislature from the judiciary, and, for that reason, the judges' salaries that would otherwise be subject to negotiation are sent to this committee, and they propose a recommendation, which we follow. I wouldn't propose to do that for a justice of the peace. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Is this the Minister's decision, or is this the department's decision, or is this a judicial decision? I guess I will ask that question first.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes. Certainly, we are willing to look at the system. As I mentioned previously, I don't think sending this to the Judicial Remuneration Committee would be appropriate, but we will look at it. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I realize the Minister may not have this answer. Will the Minister be able to give us a history of how the increments have been done in the past? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes, Mr. Chair. I think we could provide a history of when the rates changed over time, going back some time. I am not sure how long. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, and I appreciate the Minister and the department for being able to do that. Will they be able to tell us how they developed these rates, whether it was the department or the use of different mechanisms? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Well, I assume that the rates were established by the department in looking at other similar positions or perhaps even other jurisdictions, but I am not certain. I am not certain when the regulations or however the manner in which the JPs are paid were last established, so it might be a little difficult to search our records as to the methodology, but I can simply tell the Member that we will look into it. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Thompson. Nothing further from Mr. Thompson. Justice, court services, operations expenditure summary -- each Member can speak once to a section. Mr. O'Reilly, if you have a brief follow-up question, I will allow it. Mr. O'Reilly.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. It is not a follow-up question, but can the Minister give us an update on the status of the public resource centre that was committed to replace the court library? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. O'Reilly. I am sure the Minister is well-prepared for this one. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes, I am. I was expecting this question, actually. We have issued a tender for construction of a temporary resource centre on the fourth floor, and we are hoping that that will be open by April of this year, depending on the tender results. It is important to realize that the current library is still open. Access to it is a little difficult, but I think that most lawyers have a fob, and the general public, I think, can access it through a request to court services. When I walk by the library, usually there are no lights on, so I don't think there's much usage. I think there has been one request by the public. One person requested twice. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Nothing further from Mr. O'Reilly. Justice, court services, operations expenditure summary, activity total, $13,646,000. Does committee agree?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Moving on to legal aid services, beginning on page 287. Comments or questions? Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute issued its second annual report on access to justice yesterday. One of its findings related to the NWT was low criminal aid spending per 1,000 crimes. That resulted in a grade of D, and last year's grade was D. I'm wondering what the Minister makes of this ranking. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I haven't had a chance to review the report as it just came out very recently. I know last year we had concerns with the methodology involved, which I understand likely is also a concern this year. I do know that we have one of the most comprehensive legal aid plans in North America. We cover a great number of matters that are not covered elsewhere. That might skew the statistics somewhat. I think Mr. Goldney has some additional information though, and I'd ask if I might defer the rest of the answer to him. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We're still analyzing the report card received from the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, but I think the Minister is quite right. What appears to be the case, and again it will require further study, is that we seem to be penalized for spending less per capita but not being recognized for some of the contextual reasons why that might be. We suspect, although we have to look at this, that a great majority of our criminal matters relate to property crimes of a lesser value that might not be covered in other jurisdictions in the same way that it is here. It seems likely that might skew the average down. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I appreciate that the 2017 report came out this week, and so I will just say to the Minister that I'll come back to this before the end of the session. One of the things I did wonder about, though, with service levels is how long the wait is to see a legal aid commission lawyer for someone who is looking for that service. What's the waiting time? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Certainly, the waiting list for a criminal is not particularly long because we have a system going and people going to court generally are considered presumed eligible, so they will have access to legal aid early.

The wait list for family law is of great concern. I understand that we have an average of about three months. Now, if it's an urgent matter, they're assigned to counsel immediately. The wait list, as I understand, is about 60 people. One of the improvements we have made of late is that the legal aid family law staff complement is at full strength, effective February 1st. There was a fair amount of turnover over the last year. We do recognize this as an issue. Wait times came way, way down from what they were a couple of years ago. This is of great concern to the courts and the lawyers and the clients, of course. We are making progress. We'd like to get these wait times reduced, but, as I say, urgent matters are assigned to counsel immediately. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have a couple of questions that follow on from that answer, which I appreciate. The first is: what is the definition of "urgent" in this context? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

It could be something such as a child protection matter or something like that that would require urgent intervention by the courts. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you for that answer. My next question is: if three months is too long of a waiting list, and I agree that it is, it's a long time to wait, then what would be an acceptable waiting time? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

I mean, I was speaking of the average wait times. Obviously, we would like to reduce it as much as possible. I would say, if we got it down to somewhere in the area of six weeks, that would be pretty reasonable. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Given that the complement of family law practitioners is now at full strength, how long do you think it will take to reduce the waiting time to six weeks? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Six weeks is of course a target, and turnover amongst the lawyers is always an issue, but I would hope within the next few months we would be able to continue to reduce the wait time. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

I'd like to thank the witnesses for their responses. Nothing further.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Further for legal aid services? Justice, legal aid services, operations expenditure summary, activity total, $6,241,000. Does committee agree?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Continuing on. Office of the Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations. Comments or questions? Mr. O'Reilly.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Can someone at the table tell us a little bit about what level of activity the office of the regulator is dealing with and whether that's changed over the last few years, given that there is not much happening with oil and gas? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. O'Reilly. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I don't think there's any dramatic change in their level of activity over the last year or two. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Mr. O'Reilly.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Yes, maybe they are still busy. I don't know. It seems to me that there would be less activity that they have to regulate because there's no active exploration. There's no production that's happened in the last year. Can the Minister confirm or tell us about the level of activity that these folks actually have to regulate? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

I know that, as of January 25, the regulator is in issue 20 operating licence

This is what he said, but please confirm the correct formatting. 9:32, take 24

for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Again, I don't know the long, long history of this. Well, I guess it doesn't have that long a history, but I don't think we have heard from them that they require more resources at this time. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

I just wonder whether they could use less resources, given that there doesn't seem to be a lot of activity happening. So is that something that the department has looked at? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I understand there has been a reduction in their use of contractors as they build their own capacity. I don't think the Member really would want us to cut down the funds we're supplying to OROGO. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm not trying to tell the Minister what to do, but the Minister seems to find other areas to cut within the department, and this is one where there may not be a lot of activity going on, so I'm just wondering. There has been no change to their budget from last year. Can the Minister commit to having the regulator maybe appear before standing committee so that we can just learn a little bit more about what they do? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes. As I say, as I mentioned earlier, what they have been doing is building capacity in this somewhat-less busy time, but perhaps I could ask the regulator or, rather, the executive director to appear in front the committee. Yes, I can do that.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, just to close this off, I wonder whether the executive director could appear before the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment, rather than the Standing Committee on Social Development, where this seems to be parked. Is that possible? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you. Yes. That seems sensible.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Nothing further from Mr. O'Reilly. Mr. McNeely.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thanks, Mr. Chair. If it came to oil and gas, and I didn't say anything, I wouldn't be doing my job. I'm glad there are physical allowances in the budget for this department to maintain, keep the interest there, keep the doors open. It can be the same concept as what our neighbour in the south said on the activities going on in Alberta, so they turned towards orphan wells as job creation and cleaning up old leases, so, having had some discussion with the department, they're concentrating on that, as well. I think the orphan well program they have, Well Watch, is well underway and in consultation with the communities. I look forward to having further dialogue to see how we can emerge a new possible industry on cleaning up somebody else's mess. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. McNeely. Would the Minister like to respond?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you to the Member for his comments. Certainly, perhaps some of the responses that we've given could be fleshed out, if the executive director does appear in front of committee. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Thank you, Minister. Anything further from Mr. McNeely?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

It could be viewed, Mr. Chair, as a dormant industry, but, given some of the previous statements and efforts I made here, we can look at the pipeline oil industry program repair for Enbridge Line 21 in Fort Simpson. Now, I feel that we're probably going to see, after the permitting process is done and the procurement, an injection of $53 million into that region, which I think is a significant amount and should be implemented towards further leakage of the lines so we can create some commerce. So it's certainly an industry that is kind of tabled at the moment, but beyond our means. I think something might happen down the road. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. McNeely. Hopefully, the joking manner on some of those comments comes across in Hansard. Would the Minister like to respond?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

I have no further comment. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Justice, Office the Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations, operations expenditure summary, activity total, $1,869,000. Does committee agree?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Moving on. Policing services, which begins on page 293, $45 million activity. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, just before Christmas, the RCMP announced at the national level that they were going to expand their review of closed sexual assault cases and increase training to address gaps in police knowledge of consent. I'm wondering if the Minister can tell us what the local implications, NWT implications, are of these initiatives? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Of course, the RCMP does provide annual training to all Members, training to Members to improve their interviewing skills in complex cases such as sexual assault complaints. That is going on generally. I understand that, as of last year, April, 119 members of G division had completed a specialized investigative interview course, and, in addition to that, 24 have completed additional training in investigating child sexual assaults. This is in addition to the RCMP's training program for cadets in Regina, which includes 36 classes dedicated to investigating sexual assault and four classes related to child sexual abuse. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the training I'm referencing is training in understanding the evidence provided by witnesses, for example statements that are inconsistent or incomplete, that may be the result of the trauma that the victim has experienced, so it's more about the practice of understanding the evidence and, particularly, understanding consent case law. Does the Minister know whether this training which the RCMP said would be offered across the country has been offered here, yet? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Obviously, that would be an important part of the training. I am not sure whether that specific training has been offered here, yet. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would appreciate hearing from the Minister about this, whether the training has been scheduled or has already been delivered in the NWT on consent case law. Further, I'd be interested to know whether the expanded review of closed sexual assault cases will be implemented here in the NWT as well. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think I should discuss these matters with the commanding officer and get back to committee. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you. I appreciate the Minister following up on these questions and getting back to committee. Those are all my questions. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Justice, policing services, operations expenditure summary, $44,916,000. Does committee agree?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Moving on to services to government, beginning on page 295. Comments or questions from committee? I know that committee has a lot of material in front of them. I'm giving them a minute to get oriented. Seeing nothing from committee -- oh, Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think this is the right place to discuss the legislative backlog that we talked about quite a bit in the fall. Could the Minister tell us how the department is getting on top of rolling out the legislation that we're all so anxious to see? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you. I don't think the backlog really has been caused by the lack of drafters of the legislation, but I'll turn it over to Mr. Goldney, perhaps, to expand on that.

CHAIRPERSON (Mr. Simpson)

Thank you. Mr. Goldney.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Goldney

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We are very mindful of the need to move legislation forward as quickly as it needs to. The role that the Department of Justice plays is of course in the development of that and is by providing the drafting services. Often, there is a requirement for not only our department but all departments to develop the legislative proposal and to consider some fairly significant policy questions. That is where we tend to see more time often required than might be preferred, but we are very mindful of the need. Once a legislative proposal is developed, then drafting instructions can be provided to ensure that we have departments adequately supported to move that along as quickly as possible. There are times when we might feel that compression, but we do have the ability to look for contracted services if the need arises. Right now, we recognize that there is a lot of work coming, and we are preparing for it. We don't anticipate there being a delay as a result of a lack of horsepower in our legislative division. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Those are all my questions. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Justice, services to government, operations expenditure summary, $12,847,000. Does committee agree?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Moving on to services to the public, being on page 299. Comments or questions from committee? Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the Minister may have heard me ask questions about the public guardian. I realize the public trustee is a different position, but I do wonder about the kind of backlog, if any, the public trustee office has on applications for its services. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I don't think we are aware of any particular concerns about a backlog. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. What is the service time between an application being submitted and the file being -- it has to work its way through the court process, but, the file being readied for court, what's the length of time that takes typically? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Of course, that would vary considerably with the complexity of the estate matter that is being reviewed. We can perhaps provide committee with or attempt to get some averages, but there's probably a pretty wide variety in times that these things might take. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Sure, I would appreciate having an idea of how long it takes from the time there is an application made until the time it goes to court, which would be the only part that this office would have responsibility for. Other than that, I have no further questions. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. The Minister will provide that information. Am I correct in that, Minister?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes. We'll attempt to put that information together. As I say, it might be somewhat difficult, but I believe we can do it. Thanks.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. I'm just looking for something solid. You will attempt to, and you believe you can. Will you put together some information for the committee? Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes, we can provide the timelines. I don't know how useful they will be because of the very different types of cases and very different lengths of time it takes to resolve them, but yes, we will obtain those timelines.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Anything further? Nothing further from Ms. Green. Justice, services to the public, operations expenditure summary, $4,340,000. Does committee agree?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. We have one information item in this department, work performed on behalf of others. Comments or questions? It can be found on pages 302 and 303. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I note that there is a family liaison unit. I heard about it during the hearings that were held here by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. I note that this agreement is to end in 2019. Of course, today we just learned that the inquiry has asked for a two-year extension. If the federal government grants the extension, will the territorial government keep this unit in place? Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes, I would expect we would do so. I would have to confirm with my confreres about that additional cost, but I would expect we will.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Would the Minister like to add something? Minister.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Yes, I would like to add. Apparently, it's fully funded by the federal government. I guess, if they provide the money, we will accept it. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Green.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you for that response. I have nothing further.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Ms. Green. Can committee please turn back to page 273. This is the departmental total. Does committee have any final questions? We have a revenue summary on page 274. There's an organizational chart, accounting structure charts. Seeing nothing from committee, Justice, total department, $126,093,000. Does committee agree?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Does committee agree that this concludes our consideration of the Department of Justice?

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Thank you to the Minister and your witnesses. Sergeant-at-Arms, you may escort the witnesses from the Chamber.

What is the wish of committee? Mr. Thompson.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Mr. Chair, I move that the chair rise and report progress. Thank you.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Thompson. There is a motion on the floor to report progress. The motion is in order and is non-debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed?

---Carried

I will rise and report progress. Thank you, committee.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

May I have the report, Member for Hay River North?

Report of Committee of the Whole
Report of Committee of the Whole

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Tabled Document 63-18(3), Main Estimates 2018-2019, and would like to report progress. Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.

Report of Committee of the Whole
Report of Committee of the Whole

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Do we have a seconder? Member for Kam Lake. The motion is in order. All those in favour? All those opposed?

---Carried

Masi. Item 22, third reading of bills. Minister for Municipal and Community Affairs.

Bill 1: Western Canada Lottery Act
Third Reading of Bills

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, that Bill 1, Western Canada Lottery Act, be read for the third time, and Mr. Speaker, I request a recorded vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 1: Western Canada Lottery Act
Third Reading of Bills

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The Member has requested a recorded vote. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Bill 1: Western Canada Lottery Act
Third Reading of Bills

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Bill 1: Western Canada Lottery Act
Third Reading of Bills

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Question has been called. All those in favour, please stand.

Bill 1: Western Canada Lottery Act
Third Reading of Bills

Clerk Of The House (Mr. Mercer)

The Member for Range Lake, the Member for Great Slave, the Member for Yellowknife South, the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, the Member for Hay River South, the Member for Thebacha, the Member for Hay River North, the Member for Sahtu, the Member for Kam Lake, the Member for Nahendeh, the Member for Frame Lake, the Member for Yellowknife Centre, the Member for Deh Cho, the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake.

Bill 1: Western Canada Lottery Act
Third Reading of Bills

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. All those opposed, please stand. All those abstaining, please stand.

The results of the recorded vote: 14 in favour, zero opposed, zero abstentions.

---Carried

Bill 1 has had its third reading. Third reading of bills. Mr. Clerk, item 23, orders of the day.

Orders of the Day
Orders of the Day

Clerk Of The House (Mr. Mercer)

Orders of the day for Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at 1:30 p.m.:

1. Prayer

2. Ministers' Statements

3. Members' Statements

4. Returns to Oral Questions

5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

6. Acknowledgements

7. Oral Questions

8. Written Questions

9. Returns to Written Questions

10. Replies to Commissioner's Opening Address

11. Petitions

12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees

13. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills

14. Tabling of Documents

15. Notices of Motion

16. Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills

17. Motions

18. First Reading of Bills

19. Second Reading of Bills

20. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

- Committee Report 4-18(3), Standing Committee on Social Development Report on Adult Residential Addictions Treatment Facilities Tour 2017

- Minister's Statement 1-18(3), North Slave Correctional Complex Inmate Concerns

- Minister's Statement 19-18(3), Aurora College Foundational Review Process

- Minister's Statement 32-18(3), Update on the Northwest Territories Disability Framework and Action Plan

- Tabled Document 63-18(3), Main Estimates 2018-2019

1. Report of Committee of the Whole

2. Third Reading of Bills

3. Orders of the Day

Orders of the Day
Orders of the Day

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi, Mr. Clerk. This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at 1:30 p.m.

---ADJOURNMENT

The House adjourned at 5:52 p.m.