Louis Sebert

This is a new area and, of course, we are seeking input of the public and also all the Members of this House, but in view of its newness, its complexity, I don't think we can commit to a definite date.

Of course, I'm counting on a very important resource, which is the input of all the Members in this House. Financially, we do not have a great deal of resources, but I am looking to hearing from all of you, assisting me in developing a more transparent and open government.

I’m not sure of the exact statistics. I do know, looking at the statistics, dealing with the number of Aboriginal inmates, that has remained constant. I understand that the overall number of inmates has remained constant over the last five or six years, being approximately 200. We would certainly like to see a reduction of this, and that's why programs such as the Wellness Court Program and DVTO will hopefully reduce the number of those actually incarcerated.

Territorial inmates can participate in many programs, both inside the corrections facilities and outside. Territorial inmates can participate in the addictions programs at the South Mackenzie Correctional Centre, which is facilitated by a traditional addictions counsellor with the support of elders and community resources. There are also other programs that they can participate in. Also, through the courts, there are manners of dealing with these types of problems, either through wellness courts or DVTO court.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The wording change proposed by the committee is more concise and improves on the original text of the draft. The only issue of concern to the GNWT is the use of the word “expand” in reference to access to energy conservation and efficiency programs. The GNWT currently funds very generous energy efficiency and conservation programs, including the Energy Efficiency Incentive Program, the Commercial Energy Efficiency Program and the Alternative Energy Technologies Program. The Energy Efficiency Incentive Program provides incentives for products we use every day, including...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document entitled “Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, 2015-2017 Strategic Plan.” I note also that it's in four languages.

Yes, of course, we will make a commitment. We are looking very much for the involvement in the public in this new area. This government has embarked on this program, which, I think is fairly unique in government in Canada, so we are looking not only for the Members' input, but also input from the general public to guide us.

I understand in speaking with senior management that they have not in fact used up all the money from past years so there is some left over. Long-term, to deal with this issue, there will probably need to be a connection with the continental grid, which would be, of course, very expensive. But again, their research indicates that the water levels of the last two years are the lowest since 1950, and they are very optimistic that water levels will be higher this year and there will not be a problem in the next few years.

I think I can make that commitment. I will be in touch with the RCMP, and certainly if there are any changes in the issues of recruitment, we will be discussing those with them, and perhaps there will be tweaking of this policy. But they are fairly certain that this will not affect retention or recruitment.

“G” Division continues, as I mentioned, to receive a large number of applications, and they don't expect that this change of housing policy will affect that. As I say, it is mainly an internal duty of the RCMP to look into this, and they are doing so. They will be consulting with us, but ultimately it's their decision.