Rocky Simpson Hay River South

I'd like to ask the Minister: how is it determined if a contractor should be placed on the suspension list?

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

It is determined by the service that is provided and if the contractor defaults in the projects that are put forward. We really try to work with the contractors in-depth to make sure that they are successful in receiving the contracts that they do receive from the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.

The Speaker (Hon. Frederick Blake Jr) Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Member for Hay River South.

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every contractor deserves due process, and I'd like to ask the Minister: can the Minister supply me with a copy of the policy or legislation that sets out the process and criteria for determining whether a contractor is to be placed on the list? Thank you.

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

The Northwest Territories corporation administers through policies. I will direct my staff to find this policy that identifies the defaulting contractors, and I will provide that information to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Frederick Blake Jr) Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral question. Member for Thebacha.

The Speaker (Hon. Frederick Blake Jr) Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Minister of Justice.

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, absolutely. As I quite coincidentally was speaking about policing priorities, one of the roles that I have is to develop policing priorities that guide the unfolding of policing services across the Northwest Territories. I certainly heard that today and do intend, as I said earlier, to take that into account when developing those priorities. Yes. Absolutely, I will reach out to the commander of the detachment. We have regular meetings, but I will also engage with the Member more to ensure that there is input about these concerns when I am developing those priorities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Frieda Martselos Thebacha

Would the Minister consider asking the commander of "G" Division, or his or her designate, to meet with the community leaders of Fort Smith to address this major problem that is inflicting many members of our community and affecting family life?

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South

I can certainly add the concerns raised here and, indeed, perhaps provide a copy of the Hansard of this Member's statement to the detachment commander to ensure that they are aware of those concerns that are being raised and encourage them to do what they can to engage directly. I can also ensure that, when we have meetings and engagements with communities, including with the community of Fort Smith, that I, too, am also being made aware of exactly the concerns by the community members directly from them so that we can continue to address them throughout the course of the next few years by the Department of Justice, as well.

Frieda Martselos Thebacha

Would the Minister consider that the commander of "G" Division, or his or her designate, meet with the two schools in Fort Smith to address the dangers of illegal drugs and the consequences of getting involved in the drug trade and the use of these substances?

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South

Again, as I have said, I will certainly be raising with my counterpart at the RCMP, with my colleague at the RCMP, the concerns being raised on behalf of Thebacha. I know that going into the communities and going into the schools is a significant part of the work that the RCMP does. They spend a lot of time and a lot of effort making sure that they are continuing to be engaged in exactly that fashion. I am confident that they will continue to do that. I can also say that, on the part of community justice, which is within the Department of Justice, that we can look, too, to what is happening with our community justice committee in Fort Smith and ensure that they are making best efforts and all efforts to be engaged in the community and to reach out exactly as the Member has described to the youth in the community.

The Speaker (Hon. Frederick Blake Jr) Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary, Member for Thebacha.