It is a good-news story that there is excess capacity at the youth facility following changes under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. There indeed is extra capacity there. Hopefully, it stays that way. It can't be repurposed for adults, though. The Youth Criminal Justice Act has limitations on who can be present and limitations that prevent youth from intermingling with adults, individuals who might be on remand or in any form of custody. That makes it challenging to potentially have a youth person at the facility with any sort of adult. If there is a consistent way or consistent availability of space over a time, whether that could be renovated, that is a much longer-term issue. Really, what I would like to make sure is that this isn't a consistent issue for women who are not able to be transported to Fort Smith. I have no evidence to suggest that it is a consistent problem now since there are the four spots in the North Slave correctional facility going forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Caroline Wawzonek on Question 67-19(2): Accommodating Women at North Slave Correctional Complex
In the Legislative Assembly on February 12th, 2020. See this statement in context.
Question 67-19(2): Accommodating Women at North Slave Correctional Complex
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
February 12th, 2020
Page 113
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