Legislative Assembly photo

Roles

In the Legislative Assembly

Elsewhere

Crucial Fact

  • His favourite word was land.
Historical Information Louis Sebert is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Last in the Legislative Assembly September 2019, as MLA for Thebacha

Lost his last election, in 2019, with 6% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Tabled Document 542-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 16-18(3): Report on the Review of Bill 29: An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act Tabled Document 543-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 34-18(3): Report on the Review of Bill 45: Corrections Act Tabled Document 544-18(3): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 818-18(3): Sexual Assault Reporting Tabled Document 545-18(3): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 838-18(3): South Mackenzie Correctional Centre Therapeutic Model August 23rd, 2019

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following four documents entitled "Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 16-18(3): Report on the Review of Bill 29: An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act"; "Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 34-18(3): Report on the Review of Bill 45: Corrections Act"; "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 18-18(3): Sexual Assault Reporting"; and "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 838-18(3): South Mackenzie Correctional Centre Therapeutic Model." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery August 23rd, 2019

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. They are not constituents, but I would like to recognize Heather Riviere and Brittany Gosse, who have helped me over the last number of years. Thank you.

Reflections on the 18th Assembly August 23rd, 2019

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's been an honour and a pleasure to serve with all of you over the last four years. The Premier has outlined many of the things that we've accomplished, and I'd like to, at this stage, thank all of you, and also the staff who has worked with us over the years. I think in particular of Stephen Dunbar and Heather Riviere, my MSAs over the last few years.

We have accomplished much, and I am particularly proud of some of the legislation, in particular the Ombud Act, ATIP, Corrections Act. These were either new acts or improved acts. The Public Land Act. Progress has been made, but there is clearly much, much more to do. I attempted to resolve the thorny issue of equity leases over the last few years, and some progress, fortunately, has been made.

I was particularly happy, over the years, to hear from you, Mr. Speaker, and others who spoke languages in this Assembly other than English. I apologize to the French community for my stumbles today. It seemed easier when I was preparing upstairs than it did down here. When I was referring to the launch of the land titles system, I think I used a rather strange date. It should have been "vingt-et-un deux-mille-dix-neuf," not some strange date that I think I might have mentioned. Clearly I need more work. I undertake, should I be returned, to take more classes at College nordique.

Many years and many roads have led me to this position. I was a lawyer in my former life. I worked on the Main Street, and I also worked on Bay Street. This is the best job I've ever had, and I want to thank all of you. You know, we may disagree, but I hope we're not disagreeable, because there is much we've done, much more to accomplish, and I've been very proud to work with all of you. Thank you.

Minister's Statement 244-18(3): Land Titles Office New Online Services August 23rd, 2019

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude all Ministers' statements filed with the clerk today.

---Unanimous consent granted

[English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT's Land Titles Office is responsible for recording and maintaining the validity and security of all land titles information in the Northwest Territories. These public records have previously only been available during office hours and, if requirements were needed to view the actual file, these files could only be examined in person at the registry office.

In order to allow citizens throughout the Northwest Territories the ability to review land titles documents where and when they need them, the Department of Justice has developed and launched an online solution that will allow access on a 24/7 basis from any computer.

The newly designed online Northwest Territories Land Titles System allows the user to view the registered documents as if they were being viewed at the registry office. The system is fully bilingual, in French and English.

The ability to view these documents is valuable to lawyers, surveyors, and land administrators, as well as the public, so that they can verify the ownership of privately owned surveyed lands and determine who holds an interest in the lands. As this information is relied upon mainly in real estate transactions, the need for reliability is of utmost importance.

The new online system provides easy 24-hour-a-day access to information about any parcel of land that is registered with the Land Titles Office. This includes access to certificates of title, plans of survey, and associated documents. These documents can be downloaded and printed immediately.

The ability to search online will save thousands of dollars in time for professionals and for people who previously had to physically search files. Residents of our smaller communities will have the same immediate access to the system. For those who need or would prefer to work with the registry in person or by phone, fax, or email, staff will still be available to assist.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Land Titles System was launched on May 21, 2019, and I hope I got that date right in French but if I didn't, that is the date, and is operating smoothly. User uptake has been very good, with over 200 registered users to date. Feedback from members of the public and professionals has been positive, and many stating that the new method for access is a vast improvement.

The Department of Justice is committed to improving the way we provide services in the most efficient and effective way possible. This includes ensuring that our residents have the same level of access to the information that they need no matter where in the NWT they reside. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 45: Corrections Act August 22nd, 2019

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River south, that Bill 45, Corrections Act, be read for the third time; and, Mr. Speaker, I request a recorded vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Committee Motion 243-18(3): Bill 45: Corrections Act - Amend Clause 40.1(5), Carried August 21st, 2019

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Cabinet will be supporting this motion. Thank you.

Committee Motion 242-18(3): Standing Committee on Social Development Report on the Review of Bill 45: Corrections Act - Government Response to Recommendations, Carried August 21st, 2019

Again, I would like to thank the Member for his comments, and I don't want to repeat what I have already said again. We are proud of this piece of legislation. Thank you.

Committee Motion 242-18(3): Standing Committee on Social Development Report on the Review of Bill 45: Corrections Act - Government Response to Recommendations, Carried August 21st, 2019

I would like to thank committee Members for their comments today. An awful lot of work did go into this, and that is why we have the improved product that is before us today. I, too, would like to thank the staff who worked so hard on this and the committee Members who contributed significantly. As I say, the bill is much better, and it is something that we all can be proud of. Thank you.

Committee Motion 242-18(3): Standing Committee on Social Development Report on the Review of Bill 45: Corrections Act - Government Response to Recommendations, Carried August 21st, 2019

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to have witnesses with me. To my right is Martin Goldney, deputy minister of Justice, and to my left is Mike Reddy, director of Legislation Division, Justice. Thank you.

Committee Motion 242-18(3): Standing Committee on Social Development Report on the Review of Bill 45: Corrections Act - Government Response to Recommendations, Carried August 21st, 2019

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am here today to discuss Bill 45, Corrections Act. The purpose of Bill 45 is to repeal and replace the current NWT Corrections Act, which is over 40 years old.

The changes proposed are intended to update NWT corrections legislation to bring it into line with the evolution in corrections over the past several years and incorporate the reformed practices and approaches that have emerged at the national and international levels.

The bill makes a number of improvements to the current legislative framework of the corrections system in the areas of accountability, supporting the rehabilitation of offenders and their reintegration into the community, reducing the risk of reoffending, and keeping our communities safe.

The bill recognizes the unique cultural background, historic legacy, and experience of offenders in the NWT and sets the framework for incorporating these elements into the rehabilitation process. The bill also includes operational improvements in the areas of risk management and security, quality assurance and monitoring, and staff training.

Significant changes being proposed in the new act include:

  • provide for the establishment of independent community advisory boards;
  • facilitate the involvement of Indigenous governments in the delivery of corrections programs and services;
  • clarify the link between case planning and programming for remanded persons, sentenced offenders in facilities, and offenders in community-based corrections;
  • establish oversight by an investigations and standards office and provide for independent decision-making in disciplinary matters and the use of separate confinement;
  • increase authorities related to the search and monitoring of those in a correctional centre or seeking to enter a correctional centre;
  • provide for the establishment of a notification program that respects the rights of victims and includes a victim-offender mediation program;
  • clarify the rules relating to the appropriate use of separate confinement, including fixing time limits, providing for independent oversight, and specifically defining the authorities for placement; and
  • provide for the development of a corrections employee code of conduct that employees and service providers are required to follow.

I would like to thank the Standing Committee on Social Development for their thorough review of this bill. I would also like to thank our respective officials for their collaboration and for going above and beyond to find mutually agreeable solutions that have enhanced and improved the bill. I would be pleased to answer any questions that Members may have regarding Bill 45. Thank you, Mr. Chair.