Jackson Lafferty

Mr. Chair, that particular item has been discussed, not in detail, but the general discussion was that the Catholic school board…. I was invited from the department’s perspective, met with them and talked about St. Joe’s, where it’s heading. At that time I couldn’t share the detailed information, because we were still discussing it as a cabinet.

But the Catholic school board is willing to come back to the table and work with our department. If the cost is higher than what the Member has just indicated, then the board is willing to work with us to identify a consultant to pursue other options...

Mr. Speaker, our department is working carefully with the “G” Division, the RCMP headquarters, trying to get as much information out as we possibly can with all these incidents. Once that is shared with our department, I will be more than willing to share with the Member. Mahsi.

Mr. Chair, this particular item we’re referring to is a renovation to the existing building we’re in. ECE has occupied that building for almost 20 years without any significant renovations.

The renovations are to meet the immediate needs of the staff. That has been identified by the department, and construction is scheduled for summer of 2008. So with ’08–09, $80,000 been requested to upgrade the facility that we currently occupy. Mahsi.

Mr. Speaker, I’m sure the department may have that information, which I don’t have in front of me today. I can certainly get that information, and I’m willing to share with the Member.

This particular program has been addressed by inmates, of course. There’s been some discussion among the inmates and the guards that was brought to our attention. There is a healing program needed at the correction centre and outside the environment of the centre. This is part of rehabilitation that we talked about. I see it as a healing path, coming back to society after what’s been done.

We are putting this forward based on the call of the inmates. That’s why we’re here providing more information that I didn’t share earlier. What we’re doing his is providing a rehabilitation program for...

Mr. Speaker, we accept recommendations and input from our Regular Members as well. We very much appreciate their input.

This review has been undertaken for just under a year now. It will be brought to the attention of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. The results of these recommendations will be brought forward. Any recommendations and advice from Members will certainly be taken into consideration in our discussion. Mahsi.

Mr. Chair, we are trying to stay in line with other jurisdictions, to have secure premises for the safety of the public — just a security fence with a completely climb-proof upper section design, to prevent breaches of the security perimeter. This is one area that has been identified by Corrections as needed to prevent incidents such as escapes. Going to the facility, there are no gates or anything similar, so it’s a safety aspect for the public at large. Mahsi.

Mahsi. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is working closely with Aurora College to perform a thorough review of apprenticeship and occupational certification programs. The review is being undertaken right now on a final technical report. There are surveys happening, and we're trying to get input from different sectors about what is working and what is not working. Then we will provide recommendations on moving forward. That is currently under review, and it will be brought forward for our department’s discussion. Mahsi.

Mr. Chairman, on the question of the perimeter fencing, at both the NSCC and also the young offenders facility at the present time the property is deficient at the current stage. We have incomplete or inadequate fencing currently at both facilities. As the Premier indicated, the requirement is to provide safety for the offenders, the staff and the public. That’s part of the reason we’re bringing this forward, so that the construction can happen this summer and then proceed with the fencing of both facilities. Mahsi.

Mr. Speaker, I too would like to recognize Amanda Mallon, president of the NWT Teachers’ Association. Mahsi.