Louis Sebert

Yes, we do realize that we do face some logistical challenges that other jurisdictions do not have, and we realize also that we do have challenges in addressing addictions of abuse of alcohol and drugs as it is in the Northwest Territories. We do recognize that some communities may want to have authority to regulate cannabis within the community. My concern, if we should follow that route, is that generally speaking it creates confusion and complexity if you have a patchwork of laws. It would seem to be generally speaking better, and I would have to wait to think about this further to discuss...

I do realize the importance of this matter, and I certainly will just be discussing this matter further with the Minister for MACA. I cannot guarantee what the result of those conversations will be, but I agree to undertake them. Thank you.

One of the things I can do is ensure that no more equity leases are granted because of the very confusion that the Member opposite has mentioned. As I say, there were many different interpretations as to the rights of the lessees at the end of the lease, and the obligations of the government also. There will not be any more equity leases granted.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I would like to recognize my wife, Anne, in the gallery today. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The simplest answer is that I am not sure. We are still optimistic that we will be receiving at least some of the generators. If we do not, clearly there will be costs or losses incurred. I do not think we are very likely to succeed if we have to litigate this in California, but we would have to take advice from our legal counsel in that state. I have not really thought through the possibilities. Either directly or indirectly, I suppose, the government and people of the Northwest Territories would have to absorb this one way or another. Thank you.

Yes, Mr. Chair, I think we are looking at somewhat of a scaleddown project, but if I might defer to the deputy minister for details? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. There are two major projects we are talking about in this area of security. One is to install fencing in response to the incident, the escape that took place in August of 2016, and the other is to mark the property line of the facility.

With respect to the critical incident response, if I can use that term, that is to secure the yard used for inmate programs. Again, it was obvious that security had to be enhanced after the escape in 2016, and my understanding is that, since that time, this portion of the facility has not been used. A budget was approved for this work, and...

Yes, I would like to bring in witnesses, please.

As this House knows, we have invested a considerable amount of money in this project. We do not want to cut that loose unless there appears to be no hope at all of getting these generators. If, however, it does come to that, we will have to go out for an RFP because we do need these generators.

This is an important issue, of course, Mr. Speaker, because we would like to have the inmates to again have access to this portion of the facility. I do not have an exact date to provide to this House when this work will be done, but it is an important project. We are working on it, and I will keep the House informed. Thank you.