Jackson Lafferty

Mahsi, Mr. Chair. I just want to highlight why we’ve proposed. There’s no implication on the program itself. It does not jeopardize the program. The program does continue to be delivered at these corrections. At the same time, Mr. Chair, what we’re proposing here are some changes to the current positions that we have, and there are also vacant positions. These two individuals that are potentially impacted will certainly have the opportunity to move up to another position — case managers. They do have many years of experience. They have a really good chance of fulfilling these positions, and it...

Mahsi, Mr. Chair. There’s been some talk about the cutting of the program, the cutting of positions. Just to set the record straight: we’re not cutting programs at the correctional centre. The review the Member’s referring to is an overall review of the programs that’s been undertaken. There are no changes to the programs that we’re delivering today. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, part of the funding that’s been allocated is remediation work — the soil and the groundwork the facility sits on

Mr. Chairman, it is important for Members to be aware of what’s happening within their respective ridings. Certainly our Justice department will share with the Member the documents if there is a report being done. What we have within our department we’re more than willing to share with the Member.

Yes, Mr. Chairman.

The first distribution of $700,000 — we’re making copies available. Certainly we’ll provide that information once we have that package available. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Chairman. Certainly reintegrating clients or inmates back to the community is an important step to our process. I will look further into what the Member is alluding to. That will be our commitment from Justice. We’ll certainly look into that.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, this government understands the importance of building partnerships with aboriginal governments, municipalities and industry. In the Beaufort-Delta in particular, such partnerships have achieved great things. I recently had the opportunity to participate in the opening of the Aurora College student residence in Inuvik last month. The residence could not have been built without strong support from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the Town of Inuvik, Aurora College staff and students, and the...

I’ve just been informed that we do have base funding as well. But certainly, Mr. Chair, we will explore that area. It’s all based on the needs of the communities, so we’ll do what we can as a department to work with the Members and figure out what are the best options, what we’ve been providing for the past few years and how we can improve in that area. Certainly we’ll be open to discussion in that area. Mahsi.

I think we are acting on it. The recommendations that were brought forward by previous governments will be compiled. Those types of discussion will happen August 12–13, 2008, here in Yellowknife. It is an important discussion that we want to move forward on. Like we’ve said, this has been ongoing for a number of years now. I think it’s time to move forward. I’m looking to that, and my department is looking forward to working with the aboriginal groups on this issue. Mahsi.