Glen Abernethy

We do have some programs in place. One of them is the emergency protection orders that are available to individuals in this situation. We do have the new RCMP family violence coordinator position, which is going to be a real important resource to RCMP in the field, to help them focus priorities and focus solutions for individuals.

With respect to shelters and whatnot, that’s going to take more than the Department of Justice. We need to be a partner. We’re willing to be a partner. I will commit to working with the Minister of Health and Social Services, and my other ministerial colleagues, to...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There’s no question that the NWT has one of the highest rates of family violence in Canada. This has long-term negative effects on the physical, social and economic health of the people of the Northwest Territories, so it’s clearly something that we all need to be working on, both on this side of the House and that side of the House.

On May 3, 2012, Premier Bob McLeod, as Minister of the Status of Women conference, confirmed his support, and Cabinet’s support, for the Coalition Against Family Violence’s prioritized recommendations to further address family violence...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, June 11, 2012, I will move that Bill 5, Legal Aid Act, be read for the first time.

I have had an opportunity to talk to representatives from the Coalition Against Family Violence, in particular, about the social media campaign, and I’m looking for information from them on what types of programs they see, what kind of campaign they see, because they’re saying exactly the same things: We have to change the attitude, we have to change the fundamental beliefs and ideas around family violence. I will work with my colleague, once again, and the Premier, who has indicated that we support the prioritized recommendations of the coalition. We will be working on this and we will be...

There are a number of communities in the Northwest Territories that don’t have permanent RCMP located in them. I have been meeting with communities, and I will continue to meet with communities along with the commanding officer of the RCMP, to work on community-based solutions. The RCMP may not be the right choice for every community every time, and we need to look at creative opportunities. I have met with the community of Tsiigehtchic and we are working on something there. I have met with the community of Colville Lake and we’re working on something there. I do plan to get to every community...

Mr. Speaker, later today I will table a copy of the 10-year Strategic Plan for the Department of Justice.

Our department envisions a safe society where the rights and freedoms of residents are protected, and residents have confidence in the justice system. The plan identifies values that will guide us:

We will promote safety in homes and communities.

We will deliver services that respond to our clients’ needs.

We will work with others to encourage shared responsibility.

We will pursue excellence, fairness and integrity in all of our work.

Together, this vision and values support this Assembly...

Mr. Speaker, corrections staff are committed to manage offenders in the least restrictive manner possible, provide opportunities for culturally relevant rehabilitation and be leaders in progressive and holistic healing.

These extremely dedicated staff members work in conditions that are challenging and emotionally draining. They have committed to multiple years of training to make a difference in the workplace and influence the lives of the young people in their charge.

I recently joined a group of our corrections youth officers and employees at the North Slave Young Offenders Facility as they...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document, entitled “Public Works and Services Energy Conservation Projects Annual Report 2011.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Public Works and Services’ efforts to achieve our government’s energy conservation goals are paying off. Through energy conservation programs and initiatives, we are reducing our government’s greenhouse gas emissions, achieving considerable cost savings and reducing our dependency on fuel oil. These initiatives are key to effective and efficient government, and protect our environment so it will sustain present and future generations. Energy conservation isn’t a single program or initiative. It is our normal way of doing business. It affects every department in...

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to highlight some of the new tools and resources that the Government of the Northwest Territories is using to modernize and update our recruitment practices and better communicate with job seekers in the Northwest Territories.

Rapidly changing technology gives us faster and more cost-effective ways to provide information about our programs and services, to promote the benefits of working with the territorial public service and to recruit new employees.

As part of 20/20: A Brilliant North, the Public Service Strategic Plan, the Department of Human Resources is...