Louis Sebert

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes. Well, we do want to reduce these costs. One of the ways is by effective use and scheduling of relief corrections officers. We do realize that this is an issue. One of the things that may alleviate the problem is that a Corrections Northern Recruitment Training Program is currently under way in Yellowknife for completion in March 2019. This will provide trained individuals who can apply for employment in the corrections service. I would anticipate or hope, maybe more hope than anticipation, that this would reduce the overtime costs. As I say, in looking at the numbers...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I understand that this is managed by the Victims Assistance Committee and that they determine the allocation of funds. Thank you.

Yes, I thank the Member for his comments. Of course, his question comes up quite often. We are aware of the necessity of policing services in the smaller, more remote communities. As I mentioned earlier today with respect to the community of Tsiigehtchic, it's not as though there is no policing there. They go in on an intermittent basis, staying overnight on occasion. Now, I mean, it would be best if we could have officers in every single community, but that is not really possible anymore. There is not only the cost issue, but, as Mr. Goldney alluded to, I don't think you can have one officer...

I understand that funds the specialized courts, Wellness Court and DVTO. Thank you.

Yes.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think that the main change will be the fence that I have referenced earlier, and I understand that some other minor or less expensive modifications are needed to the actual facility itself, again, removing it from a minimum-security, which it is now, to a medium-security.

Sorry, I might be talking about the wrong place. I'm not fixated on the facility in Hay River, although it has been paramount in my thoughts because it is so important, but I apologize if I misunderstood the question. Are you asking about enhancements to North Slave? Thank you. I think that the things...

Yes, I understand that it falls under community justice and policing, but we can certainly take the questions if there are questions.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Of course, that is the objective, as I mentioned previously, to have all regular members complete this course. I don't have a date, but hopefully, as I say, all will be able to complete the course. I will check on that to see and inform committee, should they wish, as to progress. As I say, 139 members, I'm told, or 71.2 percent have completed the course. Clearly there is another 28.8 who need to. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I don't want to change my response because there is a different questioner, but my understanding is that it ends on March 31, 2020. We're sure of that, and we are confident that it started three years ago. It's a three-year program, I'm told. Heads are nodding. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes. As I have mentioned numerous times, this is an important issue, and we do continue to work with our partners in the RCMP. Clearly the RCMP internally have made what I would suggest are significant advances arising out of the report that I referenced earlier called "The Way Forward: The RCMP's sexual assault review and victim support action plan." Now, we are working with the RCMP with respect to third-party reporting. That is an important issue, so progress has been made. Further progress is clearly needed. Thank you, Mr. Chair.