Kieron Testart

Thanks, Mr. Chair. In the 20152016 revised estimates under computer hardware and software, there was no expenditure, and this year we're back to $30K. I'm just wondering what  we went from $54,000 to nothing to $30,000. Can the Minister provide some detail on computer hardware and software? I understand that's not related to TSC Services. That's contained in the chargeback line. So, if we could get more detail? Thank you.

That is fine. I will save questions for the Department of Finance. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr Chair. The Minister could ask the Sheriff's officers for more, but essentially, there are times when there are RCMP officers who aren't available in the courtroom to deal with certain circumstances. If there's not a secure custody in the courtroom, then frequently RCMP officers aren't present. If that's the case, then all court security responsibilities fall on the Sheriff's officers. If they're required to detain someone who is convicted or required to arrest someone for good order in the courtroom, the current legislation, there's a gap in the legislation, it doesn't enable...

For the data centres themselves, which would be in the area of most vulnerability if there are issues there, is that contained in the Public Works and Services line? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

It's not really helpful I suppose, but are we to assume then we'll have status quo for the next -- for the life of this government or are we going to be looking at something -- I only say this because I know it's a complicating factor in our relationship with policing in the Northwest Territories. It was a perennial complaint at the RCMP and the business of court is sometimes frustrated by the lack of available RCMP members, as the department well knows.

I would like to see a more proactive stance than I guess we're not sure of what decision we want to make. And I appreciate that that's where...

Sorry. Thanks, Mr. Chair. Perhaps I was unclear. Do we also provide that service to the schools themselves, not just the school boards, but the actual schools? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Dechinta's not an idea, it's a real institution. It's producing graduates; it's doing very good work. It isn’t an untested project. This is something that's clear and measurable. They have a business case, it's very well thought out. I think it's time to act on these issues and stop speculating through action plans and strategies. Will the Minister make those commitments to bring forward funding by the next business plan and bring forward legislative changes the next sitting of this House? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The objective is to service all the public agencies in the Northwest Territories. Is that correct? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Speaker, small business is the life blood of a diverse and thriving community. How well our economy is doing should be measured by private sector growth and job creation outside of the public service. Growing our private sector will increase competition and productivity, and give Northerners more choice for goods, services, and employment. These are real opportunities that this government cannot afford to ignore. Mr. Speaker, this government has many programs that assist small businesses, but it needs to do more. Only by changing the foundation of our economy can we move forward. One...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The decrease in corrections positions, is that as a result of the reorganization of the North Slave Correctional Complex? Thank you, Mr. Chair.