Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the mayor of Fort Smith, Lynn Napier-Buckley, who is in the gallery. I would also like to recognize the victim services coordinators who are here. Unfortunately, I don't know all of their names but I would like to acknowledge and recognize them. I think they are at the back row. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document entitled “Follow-up Letter to Oral Question 108-18(2): Boats for Aklavik RCMP Detachment.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to acknowledge two Pages that will be assisting us this week from Fort Smith: Eleanor McMillan and Hanna Nickerson who have travelled here with their chaperone, Tracy Hutton who I'd also like to acknowledge. Finally, I'd also like to acknowledge my wife Ann who is in the gallery. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this Assembly has made improving accountability, transparency and collaboration a key priority. Having an effective and up-to-date access and privacy regime is fundamental to that priority. Every day the Government of the Northwest Territories collects and produces a tremendous amount of information. We have a responsibility to make sure that our citizens have access to this information, while also protecting the personal information entrusted to us. The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act demonstrates our government’s commitment to protecting privacy and providing access to information. The act gives all members of the public the legal right to request access to information held by government departments and public bodies, and to request a correction to personal information. The legislation sets out when a public body may collect, use, and disclose personal information. Refusals to disclose records may only occur if the Act provides for it. The NWT Information and Privacy Commissioner has the independent authority to review decisions made under the Act including how a public body has collected, used, or disclosed personal information. The area of access and privacy continues to evolve, and we need to make sure that we can respond to changes in technology and the development of integrated programs and services, as well as a variety of other issues raised by the public, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, and past standing committees. Since the Act was introduced in the NWT in 1996, there have been a number of changes in Canadian policies, practices, and legislation relating to access to information or protection of privacy. Changes were made to the Act in 2004 and again in 2005 to respond to issues that had been raised either in our Assembly, from the Privacy Commissioner, or from those who use this legislation in their day-to-day activities. During the 17th Assembly, a commitment was made to proceed with a full and comprehensive review of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. In the initial phase of the review, the Department of Justice conducted extensive research into access and privacy legislation in other provinces and territories, as well as a detailed examination of our current legislation. Based on this research and review, the Department of Justice has started consulting with other government departments, public bodies and the Information and Privacy Commissioner. The results of those consultations are being consolidated and will be included in our final report.

We also want to hear from the public on this important matter and will be seeking their views during the next phase of our review. We want to ensure that the act offers a proper balance between providing access to information and the protection of an individual’s privacy. We will be asking people to comment on whether the current privacy provisions need to be enhanced to allow for greater protections, as well as other issues that have been raised by stakeholders and public bodies. Beginning April 15, the Department of Justice will be posting a consultation document on its website, where everyone will be able to share their opinions on it. We will also be sharing it with the stakeholders and those who have expressed interest in the review. The deadline for submitting a written request will be June 15, 2016. Analysis and feedback received from the public, GNWT departments, public bodies, and the Information and Privacy Commissioner will be reflected in a report that will be published in the fall of 2016. The findings from this report will assist us to bring forward a proposal for possible amendments to the act. I hope Members will encourage their constituents to participate in this public consultation and have their say. We all need to contribute to improvements to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act in order to improve access, protect our personal information, and help keep our government accountable and transparent. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I don't really think I can make that kind of a commitment. Again, it's an internal matter for the RCMP to determine the allocation of resources. I will, however, look into it and get back to the Member.

Certainly nothing will be done before the ice goes, but -- ---Laughter

I think that's mainly an internal issue for the RCMP to determine the allocation of resources. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I understand from what the Member has said is that there is no boat at Aklavik. I understand that there are several boats in Inuvik. I can look into this for the Member, but I don't have any information before me. Thank you.

My understanding is that the funding is scheduled to end at the end of the 2016 calendar year at which time I assume the project would be evaluated.

Thank you. The Members will know that this is a pilot project and as part of the contract, the Tree of Peace was responsible for documenting the program. The funding, as I understand it, is only established until the end of the year 2016.