Louis Sebert

I was not aware of this specific issue. I am sure that management is ensuring that all correctional officers do have adequate backup and support. I will, however, look into it if the Member wishes.

Mr. Speaker, I'm not certain of the number of training officers, but I do know that there has not been any cut in training overall. While we're always looking into programs, there is no financial cutback that has reduced the amount of training or programs at the facility. Thank you.

I can advise that I have not personally received or reviewed the report, but I do understand that it has been received by the department. I am also aware that there are some concerns that some of these devices may not work in extreme cold, but the RCMP are looking into this matter to make sure that when the devices are received and utilized, they do give a proper reading.

As mentioned previously, two recreation officer positions are being converted to correction officer positions. I don't think there will be any change in the availability of the recreation programs to the inmates.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member opposite will know, not from personal experience, but from his experience as a JP, there currently is, under section 253, an offence of operating a motor vehicle when impaired by alcohol or a drug. What the federal government is attempting to do, as they have done with alcohol where you hear about the 0.08 limit, they are trying to impose a similar scientific limit on the amount of marijuana allowed to be in the system of someone operating a motor vehicle.

The proposed THC level for a summary offence is two nanograms per millilitre of blood, and for a...

Thank you for the interesting question. Essentially, the production of marijuana is a federal issue. Those who wish to manufacture marijuana will have to be licensed by the federal government. They would have to approach the federal government. Presumably, they would have to make an application showing how they could ensure the safety of the product and so on. That could happen. I understand that even fairly small organizations might be able to avail themselves of this legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

We think so, Mr. Speaker. We formed a committee with departmental officials to explore this option further. The committee will look into the program model and consider how it could be adapted to fit the context of the Northwest Territories, including changes to infrastructure, changes, or supports. According to all reports, the amount of recidivism of residents who complete this program is far less than the normal population, so we certainly do want to look at this program and see how we might be able to adapt it to the Northwest Territories, where clearly something is needed.

As I mentioned, we received 1,160 responses to our online survey. Anybody from across the Northwest Territories or, in fact, from outside the Territories, if they wished, could participate. In addition, we did write to Aboriginal organizations seeking their input. We only have a limited amount of time, as we all know, as the federal legislation will be in force starting July 1st next year. We visited a cross-section of communities, admittedly not every community. Between the visits to the community and the many submissions made online, I think we did receive a good cross-section of opinion...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Securities and Project Assessment Division is providing input to the Department of Lands as we go forward with our updates to the Territorial Lands Act and the Commissioner's Land Act. The department will begin reviewing regulations relating to securities and other matters within the next few months. Apart from that, I can advise that the government and resource management boards who share responsibility for many aspects in this area, particularly financial securities, are working together to develop a guideline for closure and reclamation cost estimates for mines...

Mr. Speaker, of course, we are always trying to improve our response in this area. I certainly would be prepared to look at this legislation and the use of EPOs. I am quite surprised by the information that has been provided by the Member opposite. I said earlier I am very disappointed to hear that there seems to be an inappropriate use of EPO. Certainly, I will look into this matter. Thank you.