Mr. Speaker, I have no idea why the expected bidders did not bid. Perhaps the Member opposite should speak to them.

I have, of course, heard of the Philadelphia model, which was developed some time ago so that it would be more civilian oversight. I think that kind of decision would have to be made by the RCMP, not just in this jurisdiction, but throughout Canada. I am not certain whether such a major change is being contemplated. If they did decide to follow that model, which has been used in the United States, hence the name "Philadelphia," and some jurisdictions, I think, in Canada, that decision would have to be made at the national level by the RCMP. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, this government is very interested in continuing this program. I can advise that we are dealing with some NGOs, and hopefully I will have good news in the next few weeks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

From the information that has been provided to me, Mr. Speaker, I am not certain as to whether that was done. I can ask the RCMP to respond.

Mr. Speaker, in designing the RFP, of course we did listen to concerns of all stakeholders, but we mainly relied on the report, the very expensive report, which was tabled in November. As I say, I don't think there are significant changes in the program. What is changing is the administration. There was an indication in the report and from what we have heard that this was a problem. We are going to make that portion of the program easier. I am hoping to make, therefore, the overall program more effective.

The RCMP, Mr. Speaker, are, of course, independent of the Department of Justice. I will ask for an expansion of the information that I have been given so that I can supply that to the Members of this House.

The information is that people could renew their lease when the current lease expires, although I am expecting, if they had the options, that many would seek actual ownership. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

No, I can't direct the RCMP to do that. I do know that the RCMP are treating this matter very seriously. I understand that they looked at these old files, and I think that was the satisfactory and correct response from the RCMP.

Mr. Speaker, I have directed Lands to place any lease that expires during this review in over-hold status for one year at the last-paid lease amount. This ensures residents will not be compelled to sign a new long-term lease before the review is complete. Hopefully, within the next year, we can resolve this issue.

There are no ivory towers in Yellowknife, Mr. Speaker, and we're constantly being asked in this House, quite properly, that decisions be evidence-based. Well, here was the evidence, the report, a very expensive report, that we received in the fall of last year. As a result of that, there were some minor changes made to the program. We went out. We attempted to solicit bids. That goes on. As I mentioned earlier, I am optimistic that an NGO will step forward.