Louis Sebert

Mr. Speaker, I can advise that we have, of course, as the Member opposite mentioned, engaged with the federal government. Also, there have been preliminary discussions with officials in the Province of Saskatchewan. We are waiting for the federal infrastructure budget to see if we can access those funds for major development.

The Government of the Northwest Territories does recognize that Northland Utilities is a good corporate citizen. I can advise that the Premier and I did have the opportunity of meeting with senior management of Northland and ATCO, I think it was a couple of months ago. It was an amicable meeting, and we have a good relationship with them.

Yes. Of course, the Power Corporation is aware that assets depreciate and, in addition, the government has been looking into a new energy plan and consulting with utilities. Mr. Speaker, again, I will look into this matter further for the Member opposite. I don't know if there's a figure out there as to what it would cost to replace the entire system, but again, I will look into it.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As this House well knows, the Town of Hay River has decided several years ago to seek other providers for the franchise in Hay River. Currently, that matter has gone to arbitration to determine the price. So evaluators are being hired and, ultimately, the arbitrator will make a decision as to price.

That, of course, is only for the Hay River franchise. My understanding is that the other franchise arrangements that ATCO and Northland has will not be affected by that, but we believe that, assuming a reasonable valuation of the assets comes in and is provided to the...

Mr. Speaker, there's a long tradition across Canada of Public Utilities Boards setting rates. It is an interesting proposal, what the Member opposite has suggested, however.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our government has committed in its mandate to pursue innovative ways to prevent and reduce crime. The Department of Justice recognizes that, to make a difference, our response must address the root causes that lead an individual to break the law in the first place. Based on the disproportionate number of Aboriginal people in the justice system, we know any approach must also offer offenders the chance to reconnect with their culture and traditions. I would like to tell you today about a promising new program being delivered in our corrections service, and...

The rates set by the Public Utilities Board, of course, are set after consultation with the public and submissions by the public. We are very confident that, assuming the assets in Hay River can be acquired at a reasonable amount, and that is our belief, that once the PUB looks at that we are very confident that rates in Hay River will fall. Our estimate is they will fall between perhaps 15 and 30 per cent, somewhere in that range.

Yes, Mr. Speaker. Clearly, the Member opposite has raised an important issue. I just repeat that we do have victim's assistance workers who are of great assistance to those in these types of very difficult situations. I can advise again, in my many decades before the courts, that a lot of these supports were not available 30 or 40 years ago, so we are getting better at assisting those who are victims of crime, as I mentioned, the victim's assistance workers. Also within the Crown attorney's office, they have those who assist witnesses in preparing for the trial. Everybody knows these types of...

I of course cannot speak about individual cases, but, again speaking from my own experiences, the police and Crown attorneys do treat these matters very seriously. In fact, if I recall, approximately 40 per cent of those in custody are on remand, often for violating terms of their release and being held in custody.

If a person, an individual, is not satisfied with an RCMP investigation into their complaint, they can make a complaint to the local detachment, which usually then goes to the senior RCMP officer in G Division.

Mr. Speaker, there can always be changes to and improvements in the manner in which we conduct voting in the Northwest Territories. The change that I think is suggested by the Member opposite would, I think, tie up the Assembly to such an extent that it would not be worth the effort.