Thank you. So we have been adding positions. Last year there was a new position added to Fort Providence. There was a new position added in Fort McPherson. So we are using the money that we have internally to explore more creative ways to expand these services and we have been able to do that. But there's not someone in every single community in the territory if that's what the Member is asking. Thank you.

Thank you. Member for Frame Lake.

No, thanks for that answer. Is there any money in this budget for further positions or, you know, I don't know, some regions may want to take a regional approach; I don't know. But is there any additional funding in this budget for further agreements/contributions, to allow for this service to be extended? Thanks, Madam Chair.

Minister of Justice.

Thank you. Not specifically.

Member for Frame Lake.

Yeah, okay, thanks, Madam Chair. Is there actually even a plan or a strategy to kind of complete a network across the NWT? Thanks, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Minister of Justice.

Thank you, Madam Chair. So like I said, we are always looking for more federal funds and we're continuing to do that. If we had a bigger budget, we could create those positions but the fact is that we have the budget we have and we have to work within it. And we have been able to do that and still expand the program. So until we can secure some significant federal funds, we'll continue to work in that manner. Thank you.

Member for Frame Lake.

Yeah, no thanks. I guess I just kind of remember, I think it was within health and social services -- maybe even -- maybe it was actually this department that did a return on social investment evaluation for the integrated -- or no, integrated case management. It was actually a really good study, and I want to compliment the department for having done that. And I'm not talking about it in the context of this but that kind of approach, I think, should be applied to victim services and doing a bit more of a review at some point soon because you're going to need a case to take to the FMB to get more money to complete that network. Without the funding, without the proposal, the so-called business case, you won't be able to do it. So I guess I'd like to just put in the Minister's ear a bug to actually do that work, make it a bit of a priority in your transition work for the next Assembly, that there be some work to actually develop this network. Well, do that return on social investment study if you want to, but I do think we need to pay more attention to this area and develop a full network across the NWT to better serve our citizens. So I'll just leave it at that. Thanks, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Minister of Justice.

Thank you, I appreciate those comments. The department has, like the Member mentioned, we have undertaken some reviews. We've been chipping away, making our way through our programs, implementing new initiatives. So while we can't get to everything at once, I do take the Member's advice seriously. Thank you.

Thank you. Member for Thebacha.

Thank you, Madam Chair. First of all, I want to say that in the 14 years as chief of Salt River First Nation, these two items were used constantly, and the office in Fort Smith is running well. The people that work there care about everybody that goes through that door. I've had to access this office many times as chief because it's always our people that are put up before a system that is impossible to defeat. And there is always someone there to assist the client and assist Salt River to ensure that the best outcome always came. And I want to commend you for that. I don't like that the budget is being reduced. I think that enhancement is very important. I'm glad that victim services is being increased. And it should be increased more especially with some of the things that have been happening in the communities because of drug addiction and all these other things that are happening in the territories, and it affects a lot of people with victim services. And I think that we have to work to make sure that the budget with victim services is increased for the victim. And I don't have a lot of questions because I just want to make sure that, you know, one of my colleagues said that this doesn't work, that maybe it doesn't work in his community of Yellowknife but in Fort Smith, I've had nothing but positive things to say about this branch, because they go out of their way for the people that will never be able to get through that front door with justice. And it's an excellent oversight, and the people that work there are incredible. And that's all I have to say. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. I'll take that as a comment. Are there any further -- Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, my questions are in regards to the men's healing program. I note that the contributions remain unchanged, and I'm wondering if the Minister can speak to how many communities are supported by this program currently and the anticipated number of communities that will be supported by that program fund in the following fiscal year?

Thank you. Minister of Justice.

Thank you. So right now there are programs in Inuvik, Behchoko, Sambaa K'e, Fort Simpson, and Fort Providence. The programs -- the contribution agreements for the programs in Sambaa K'e and Fort Providence expire at the end of this fiscal year, and the other ones expire in 2024. There is not a change to this budget but there's no decrease to the budget either, don't intend to roll this back at all. Thank you.

Thank you. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. So at the end of this fiscal year, we'll go from five programs being supported to three programs being supported. Is the intent to open the funding back up then to two more communities, or what is the intent for the next fiscal year for the men's healing fund? Thank you.

Thank you. Minister of Justice.

Thank you. And I think I misspoke here. I believe the Sambaa K'e program was extended until 2024. But this money is intended to go back out to communities. I can ask -- do we have any more information on that? I think I said it all. Thanks.

Thank you. Member for Kam Lake.