Louis Sebert

Mr. Chair, we are always working with the RCMP to provide better service. It may be that the nature of the complaints is different. Perhaps the complaints in one community were very serious, and the ones in the other community were less serious. I do know that the number of patrols to the smaller communities is determined not necessarily by the size of the community but probably the number and nature of the complaints. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I can add to that by saying that the facility in Nunavut was in rather shocking condition, as I understand it, so it was absolutely necessary that they send inmates out. I understand also from the note I have been given that the Government of Nunavut has signed an agreement with Ontario which has provided the means to transfer additional offenders south versus west to the GNWT. I imagine it is an issue of accessibility. It is easier to get from Nunavut -- less expensive, maybe, from Nunavut to facilities in Ontario than it is in Yellowknife. This is likely an amount that will continue to...

Yes. Information regarding Cabinet's meetings with those in the industry, of course, can be known. We simply do not feel it is necessary, at this time, to have a public registry that would doubtless involve some costs, and may actually involve hiring someone to run or take care of the registry. We simply don't feel that it is necessary. We think we are providing the type of information that is required to the public.

I could perhaps add to that, just to say that, should we be in that position, if there is such an overwhelming amount of legislation that is being produced by this House, there is also the possibility of contracting additional people. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I do not think we have that information in front of us. We can ask the RCMP. I do not think they will give us the dates or anything, because that might indicate a pattern which probably would not be the best thing to have. I can undertake to request that information of the RCMP. Thank you.

Certainly, we agree with the comments. I do know that, perhaps, there are several universities down south that have a long-term history of being particularly accommodating for Aboriginal students. A Member mentioned the University of Alberta. The University of Saskatchewan has had a program for many years that enables students to be fast-tracked into the law school, either their law school or other law schools, but yes, we probably could and should do better. I am willing to work with the Department of Education to provide more of an outreach and, perhaps, an encouragement to students who are...

Mr. Speaker.

The Legislative Assembly established the Members’ Conduct Guidelines during the 12th Assembly. Subsequent Assemblies have each formally adopted them (except the 15th). The Members’ Conduct Guidelines were amended in the first days of the 18th Assembly for greater emphasis on effective representation, to reaffirm Members’ duty to arrange their private matters so as to maintain the trust and confidence of the public, and to include a pledge to abide by the laws of the land.

For the first time, Members of the 18th Assembly formally signed copies of the Members’ Conduct Guidelines...

I understand that the position, Mr. Chair, was vacant in any case, but, no, we think we have sufficient resources. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Of course, there are no communities that do not have policing supplied to them. It is just a question of whether they have an actual detachment located in the community. I understand there are 12 communities that don't have an actual detachment. That does not mean they are not policed. The police will often have patrols in those communities. I also know that all the communities in the Northwest Territories do have agreements, policing agreements, with the RCMP. The RCMP will know the concerns of those small communities and enter into agreements to assist. Thank you.

Thank you. I know we are encouraging Aboriginal lawyers, but perhaps Mr. Goldney can fill us in. Perhaps some of his personal experience might assist. Thank you, Mr. Chair.