Louis Sebert

Obviously, the lawyers who appear before the courts and the probation officers are well aware of the issues and the necessity, in certain cases, of Gladue principles being brought before the courts. Again, we can always improve, and certainly I could be looking at ways in which our systems could be improved and would be looking at new and innovative manners of proceeding.

Yes. I just want to add that, by our estimate, there are more than 700 structures on public land that do not have tenure. This is a problem throughout the North, and I understand that a pretty high percentage of these structures are actually in the area around Yellowknife. Now, some of these may include cabins that are associated with an assertion of Aboriginal rights.

It is a complex issue, but it is an important issue, because there are, as I say, hundreds of structures. Not all of those are cabins; they may be something less or something more than cabins, but it is an issue that is going to...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Section 718.2(e) of the criminal code requires courts in sentencing to consider all available sanctions other than imprisonment and additionally to pay particular attention to the circumstances of Aboriginal offenders.

Now, the Supreme Court, in the case of Gladue from about 20 years ago, directed sentencing judges to undertake the sentencing of Aboriginal offenders individually, but also to consider the unique circumstances by examining some factors, including the unique systemic or background factors, which may have played a part in bringing in the particular...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This is a complex and involved area that has been alluded to by the Member. On the issue of securities, if I might address that, we believe that we have addressed most of the issues identified in the 2012 Auditor General's report on federal mining securities management and programs that transferred to the GNWT with devolution. We are currently completing work on the report's priority recommendation, a securities tracking system to support regular reviews of securities amounts and closure plans for major projects. I see that we are currently holding $644.8 million of land...

I think, Mr. Chair, that we obviously, along with the Member, regard the land use planning as critical and therefore are willing to commit resources to the establishment of a planning office and senior representative. As we have mentioned, the planning process, I think part of it, and I will let Mr. Hagen expand on my answer, is that we feel that it is necessary for someone to go ahead and that that is why we have decided to step up to the plate, but perhaps Mr. Hagen can expand on that answer. Thank you.

I know that this question has come up before. It was thought appropriate a few years ago, I forget the exact date, maybe 2016, somewhere around there, that OROGO should be parked in justice. I don't think we have re-evaluated that placement, and I don't think we are intending to do that in the near future. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am told that the reason for this is that this is a person who is dedicated to this specific area of work, and, for that reason, that is why we need this position. Thank you.

Yes, that is within this activity. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to present the 2019-2020 Main Estimates for the Department of Lands. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of $1,847,000, or 9 percent over the 2018-2019 Main Estimates.

These estimates continue to support the objectives of limiting expenditure growth in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fiscal framework. These estimates continue to support the priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly through the management and administration of sustainable use of public land in the Northwest Territories.

Highlights of the proposed...

Yes. I think that I agree with the comment that we can do better. Yes, we're going to be looking at these policies, the review of the GNWT's project assessment function, to look at areas for potential improvements, and I'm sure we can share that as we proceed. We want to hear from committee with their input because, in the end, I think we have the same object. We want to make the system better. Thank you.