Thebacha

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 60)

We are always looking at ways to improve the service. I think that we will be looking at wait times. The current wait time, if I can put it that way, for the hearing date is between two and three months, which is consistent with other jurisdictions. However, if it appears that wait times are becoming too lengthy, and they may be, clearly we can look at the appointment of a second rental officer. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 60)

Mr. Chair, we do not generally deal with the operations on the detachment-by-detachment level. There has to be a fair amount of operational flexibility with the RCMP because events may occur that require a lot of resources. I do not think any of the money is being wasted. I could ask the commanding officer to attend before committee, if I receive that request. Of course, it would be up to him. Again, we do not have that sort of breakdown by detachment-by-detachment. I do believe that the operational flexibility I spoke of is required so that the police can carry out their duties, and I would...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 60)

I am told that it has to do with licenses related to exploratory work under the Oil and Gas Regulations and Operations Act.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled "Government of the Northwest Territories' Response to Committee Report 3-18(2): Report on the Review of the 2014-2015 Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission Annual Report." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 60)

These issues were examined at our retreat last August, and one of the important issues is to determine whether the Ombudsman has the power to initiate investigations. I understand, in the jurisdictions that do have an Ombudsman, the answer to that question is yes. I'm not sure that the Yukon Ombudsman has that power yet; I think they are seeking it. So it would seem that the trend, if I can put it that way, is towards the Ombudsman having that type of power. So when the legislative proposal comes forward, committee -- in fact, this Caucus -- will have to determine whether that's the route we...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 59)

Yes, Mr. Chair. Perhaps I could have Mr. Hagen answer that operational question. Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 59)

I will let Mr. Hagen respond to that question.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 59)

Yes, Mr. Chair. Like the rest of the government, the department does follow the affirmative action policy. Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 59)

Yes, Mr. Chair, there had been a clinic for some time up in Inuvik and initially there were several lawyers up there, at one point as many as three, I believe. However, it was a different circumstance because there was a resident judge in the community, the Crown attorneys had an office in the community, and there was the Legal Aid office.

As time went by, it became increasingly difficult, in fact near impossible, to staff the office, in particular with criminal lawyers, which was the greatest need. There have not been criminal lawyers up there for I think at least 10 years. So there was a...