Louis Sebert

I'm not certain as to whether such an evaluation was in the initial terms of reference, but all pilot projects virtually, the very nature of a pilot project is that it is to be evaluated, and that type of evaluation is being done at this time.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned yesterday, this program is being reviewed. There may have been people that were informed about the program, perhaps that's how they got to that 300 number. I do know, however, that only 31 entered the program and only 16 graduated. So there may have been other types of contacts, but as far as people actually in the program and completing the program, there were very few. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I will respond in the fullness of time. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, this pilot program has been running since 2012, and we do appreciate there was a gap in the service provider. I'm sure the final report, which we are eagerly anticipating, will take that into account in their evaluation of the program.

Mr. Speaker, of course I've not yet received the report, but I understand that the report is a comprehensive one. I'm sure they looked at a wide variety of information, I don't know exactly what information they looked at, but I'm almost certain they looked at a wide variety of information. I do not know if they specifically looked at the monthly reports, but their information provided to us, so far, is that there were only 31 clients and only 16 graduates.

Mr. Chair, my only comment on this is: whatever happened to transparency? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, the department absolutely supports the government's mandate to take action on the crisis of family and community violence. This includes the commitment made to continue the support for a healing program for men who use violence in intimate relationships such as the A New Day program.

There is no question that this program is needed and has helped individuals. We think that this program holds tremendous potential to help address the crisis of family violence in our territory. That is why the government has piloted the program since 2012 and why we are investing in an independent...

Mr. Speaker, as I had mentioned in the House earlier, we are having a report prepared, which we are eagerly awaiting. It is a comprehensive and rather expensive report. I haven't seen the report, I haven't seen even the early draft of it, but I'm sure it will have options. It may be that this type of program should be expanded, but we're waiting for the report to determine that.

Mr. Speaker, A New Day program is a community-based pilot program that takes place outside of the jail system. Certainly people currently in custody, who will ultimately of course be released, may be encouraged to take the full A New Day program once they are released.

Certainly, Mr. Speaker, we are committed to this type of program. But we are, again, waiting for the evaluation of the A New Day Program and we are very much looking forward to receiving that report.

As I said, we should be receiving it shortly. Again, we are committed to the type of program. We are very much looking forward to this evaluation, as we recognize that this is a very important issue within the Northwest Territories. So as soon as we get the report and have reviewed it in Cabinet, we will share it with the Members opposite. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.