Louis Sebert

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, this is the section that deals with inspections. Thank you.

I am pleased to present the 2017-2018 Main Estimates for the Department of Justice. Overall, the department's estimates propose a decrease of just over $3.6 million or 2.9 per cent less than the 2016-2017 Main Estimates. These estimates continue to support the GNWT's objective of ensuring a strong and sustainable future for the government and its programs. Taking into consideration our limited growth in revenue, these estimates also reflect the need to closely manage our expenditures.

The 2017-2018 Main Estimates include an increase of just over $1.3 million from the business plan reviewed by...

Yes, I can. I see the figure as of today is nine. Thank you.

Mr. Chair, it is not entirely a twoway street. I think the judiciary is aware of our concerns and the desires to keep costs under control, but, of course, their concerns are to make sure that justice is properly delivered and on a timely basis, so we, to some degree, have to defer to their concerns. However, the concern about costs is before them. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I know that any complaints of the type mentioned by the Member opposite are treated seriously by the Power Corporation, are carefully considered, and promptly responded to. I think the Power Corporation, within its own staff, would have the ability to look into and respond to the questions of the type brought forward by the Member opposite. I don't think we'd be prepared to hire an independent scientist to look into this matter in view of the likely expense, which would have to be passed on to the ratepayers.

The dam at Twin Gorges on the Taltson is a runoftheriver dam, so the water either flows around the dam or through it, so it would have little impact on the river downstream. If there was something exceptional, of course, the Power Corporation should and I think would advise those who use the river.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table to following document entitled "Government of the Northwest Territories' response to Motion 2718(2): A New Day Men's Healing Program." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I don't have that information before me, but I could look into it and supply the information to the Member opposite.

Mr. Speaker, the Northern Canada Power Corporation did in fact build the dam on the Taltson River at Twin Gorges. The dam was completed in 1965. I am sure that what the Member opposite has stated was likely the case in that there was little or no consultation with local residents. Of course, any expansion of the dam would involve an environmental assessment that would be very comprehensive and take a considerable amount of time. So times have changed and the requirements for these types of projects clearly have changed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I am uncertain as to the exact details of the amendment or the type of amendment that was filed on January 9, 2017. I, however, will look into it and attempt to provide such information to the Member opposite that I am able to.