Louis Sebert

Mr. Speaker, we of course wish to use the limited resources at our disposal in the most effective manner possible. I do note that a very similar question was asked of another Minister in March of this year. The answer at that time was that we didn't think that would be the best use of money and that we would rather focus our money and efforts on prevention and healing. I concur with that.

Yes, Mr. Speaker. The 18th Assembly, of course, has identified family violence as a priority. We do recognize that this is a very serious issue and in fact, a crisis, in the Northwest Territories. Our department, along with other departments, does treat this issue very seriously.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Hay River South, that, Bill 29, Miscellaneous Statute Law Amendment Act, 2017, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Certainly, the committee can write to me if they wish. However, I think this matter has been reviewed. Again, it's important that we allocate our resources in the most effective way possible. I'd like to tell the Assembly some of the things the Department of Justice is doing. You heard about the A New Day Program yesterday. Well, we're hoping it will be more successful. Corrections has a new violence prevention program which teaches men in NWT jails to stop using violence. We have the Domestic Violence Treatment Option, DVTO, court options, which is new in the last 10 years. We are doing a lot...

Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. To my left is Leanne Gardiner, director of community justice and policing. To my right is Deputy Minister of Justice Martin Goldney.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. No, this program is not going to be available to those either serving sentences or in remand. After all, they are both in custody, and in fact, the program was never meant for those groups. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am not aware of any escape clause. One of the things that NGOs generally want is a long period of the contract in length to last for a significant amount of time so they can have certainty in their plans going forward. Of course, contracts can be amended if both sides agree at any time, but I am not aware of any "out" clause but again, I have not seen the contract myself. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Speaker, we are going out to the communities and seeking their engagements. We really want to hear from them. We do not have any preconceptions as to how this legislation should be crafted. We are hoping to hear from various interested parties, in particular those small communities where this issue is certainly to be of great concern.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Member is quite correct. Time is running out, and that is why it was necessary for us to move quickly on this. There is an evaluation process, and we are confident that the provider will live up to expectations. If they do not, then would be in breach of the contract. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think I could commit to give the Members a response by the end of next week.