Louis Sebert

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am wondering if I could have Ms. Gardiner answer that question. Thank you.

I will undertake that examination.

I don't have that information before me, but perhaps Mr. Goldney might be able to help. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, I want to make it clear that the A New Day program, the group's therapy model, and the basic curriculum is not changing. That will stay the same. What is changing is some of the administration around the program, the flexibility which has already been mentioned today, so that men might be able to rejoin more easily. Efforts are going to be made to make more facilitators. We also think that, should the program work out well, which we are confident of, that the new slightly changed model will enable us to take it outside of Yellowknife to other communities, where this type of program...

I understand that it's the same. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think it was more a question of interest than capacity. When we went out for the RFP, there were some preRFP meetings to which there were at least several NGOs attending, and we were expecting bids, if I can put it that way. However, none came forward, and that is at that point we started searching further afield. The John Howard Society appeared to be a good fit, and we believe they will be. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Perhaps I could have Ms. Gardiner answer that question. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes, that's correct. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Certainly, Mr. Chair, there are such programs available, but, if I could let Mr. Goldney expand on that.

Yes, Mr. Chair. I certainly concur with Mr. O'Reilly's observations that this is a very important contract, which it is, and there are certainly terms in the contract which the John Howard Society must adhere to, failing which they would be in breach of the contract. Now, the John Howard Society, I see some notes here, has been around for 150 years; not perhaps, delivering this exact type of program, but somewhat related program, so we do have some confidence in their ability to deliver, and should they fail to do so, they would be in breach of the contract. Thank you.