Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Justice. We have been discussing the need for new approaches to reporting sexual assault through much of this Assembly, and earlier this week the Minister tabled a letter to me about our most recent round of questions and answers in June. Today, I have some follow-up questions. The department planned to hear from stakeholders in mid-June. Can the Minister tell us about the outcome of that meeting? Mahsi.
Question 818-18(3): Sexual Assault Reporting
In the Legislative Assembly on August 16th, 2019. See this topic in context.
Question 818-18(3): Sexual Assault Reporting
Oral Questions
Page 6098
Question 818-18(3): Sexual Assault Reporting
Oral Questions
Page 6098
Louis Sebert Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can advise that the meeting referred to did take place in mid-June and was well attended. The department is in the process of finalizing a document on what was heard and outcomes from the two-day meetings. I do not yet have that document, but, as I say, I believe the meeting was successful dealing with these very important issues.
Question 818-18(3): Sexual Assault Reporting
Oral Questions
Page 6098
Julie Green Yellowknife Centre
I look forward to seeing the document when it's complete. My next question is whether any of the participants disagreed with finding a way to establish third-party reporting of sexual assault and third-party review of police handing of complaints.
Question 818-18(3): Sexual Assault Reporting
Oral Questions
Page 6098
Louis Sebert Thebacha
As I mentioned, the meeting was well attended. I am not in a position to answer the question of the Member opposite at this time, simply because I do not know.
Question 818-18(3): Sexual Assault Reporting
Oral Questions
Page 6098
Julie Green Yellowknife Centre
Thank you to the Minister for that response. Given what the Minister does know, what is the status of this issue now that this Assembly comes to an end? How will it be carried over?
Question 818-18(3): Sexual Assault Reporting
Oral Questions
August 16th, 2019
Page 6098
Louis Sebert Thebacha
As I said, the department is in the process of finalizing a document as to what was heard, and, that document, I can commit to sharing that document. Ultimately, the document may be tabled. However, that would require it to be translated, as I understand it, I am informed, into French, and that probably would take place in the next Assembly.
Question 818-18(3): Sexual Assault Reporting
Oral Questions
Page 6099
Question 818-18(3): Sexual Assault Reporting
Oral Questions
Page 6099
Julie Green Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks to the Minister for that information. My understanding, then, is that we will see something before the end of this Assembly. Do I have that right?
Question 818-18(3): Sexual Assault Reporting
Oral Questions
Page 6099
Louis Sebert Thebacha
I do not know whether I can make that commitment. I will get back to the Member, however, after speaking with the department. Thank you.
Question 818-18(3): Sexual Assault Reporting
Oral Questions
Page 6099