Louis Sebert

I think, Mr. Chair, that we found that that may have been a source of problems with the delivery of the program in the past. Often, with smaller organizations, that portion of what is needed to be done, it is difficult for a smaller organization to deliver those, that aspect of the program. Therefore, by bringing it inhouse, as I said previously, it allows the bidder on the request for proposals do what is most important, deliver the program, itself. Thank you.

Yes, we did not disburse any funds under this category last year. Thank you.

Yes, of course, we are always looking at ways to make the system more efficient. One of the advantages of using the contractors from Edmonton, it is as-and-when-needed. They have a large pool of people, I think, who work for them so that they can provide court reporters on a timely basis when required. Thank you.

Yes, I do, thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to present the 20172018 Main Estimates for the Department of Lands. Overall, the department’s estimates propose a decrease of $1,962,000 from the 20162017 Main Estimates, which is a decrease of 7 per cent. These estimates continue to support the GNWT’s objective of ensuring a strong and sustainable future for the government and its programs by managing expenditures due to limited revenue growth.

Consistent with the GNWT’s fiscal strategy, the department is managing the growth to its operations expenditures in 201718. The main estimates do include...

I don't think, Mr. Chair, I really have anything to add. I think we are making efficient use of the resources we did receive, but we are several years in. I know in other portions of devolution and things will be looked at after five years. It may be wise to see if we have properly transitioned from what we had before to what we have now. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Perhaps this question might be best answered by Mr. Hagen.

Sure, they are in the process of development. Policing priorities tend not to change radically from year to year. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes, although we, in the past, did have remand prisoners at South Mackenzie, it is a low-risk institution, and therefore no longer thought adequate to house remands. Thank you.

Yes, I would be prepared to do that. Thank you.

Mr. Chair, I do believe there is evidence that growth in the resource economy has slowed. I hope that is just not anecdotal evidence that I have heard. I do believe that there has been far less in the oil and gas industry, down the valley. As to the diamond industry referenced by the Member, there has been continuing robust, some robust activity in that. One mine has closed down, and another one has opened. With respect to Snap Lake specifically, I understand that inspections to this point have raised no concerns. Thank you.