Louis Sebert

Yes, of course, the discussions with the counsellors would be confidential, so we are not anticipating that would be a problem. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I see from my notes here that they have been around since 1994 in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes, that's correct. The John Howard Society is in the process of contracting with counsellors. Thank you.

I would like to have Ms. Gardiner assist with this question. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes. Of course, with the RFP, we were always aware of constraints on time that we needed to have something in place by July 1st. There initially was, of course, no applicants to our RFP. We then went out to NGOs. We are speaking to the John Howard Society, and it was their wish should they decide to take this up, which they did, that they be given a lengthy contract so that they would have some certainty for the future. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

One of the commitments of this legislature and included in our mandate, of course, which was developed by all of us together, is to establish the office of an ombudsman. We have sent a legislative proposal to standing committee, and we are looking forward to their response.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The road involved, of course, does not only go across territorial lands, but also part of a national park. Now, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada will sign the decision letter for the Prairie Creek road environmental assessment, and we will contribute to the decision process, so it is a combination of us working with them once this is determined. I do share the Member opposite's concern about this. I think we all recognize that there can be downsides to development, but hopefully there is a sufficient regulatory system and security in place to allay...

Yes, I understand that the most recent cost estimates were carried out in 2013, where it was found that the current site liability is $9 million, and I understand that the way that we are looking at this is we are ensuring that the proponent is in compliance with all current security requirements. However, as the project proceeds, there may be a need for more security in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South, that Bill 24, An Act to Amend the Coroner's Act, be read for the second time. This bill amends the Coroner's Act to allow for the assembly of a jury panel from which an inquest jury may be selected, outline the procedure for selecting jurors from the jury panel, allow persons to be excused from jury service in certain circumstances, allow the Chief Coroner to create rules of procedure for inquests, and improve the clarity and readability of certain provisions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, June 1st, 2017, I will move that Bill 28, Interpretation Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.