Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 52)

Yes, Mr. Speaker. Clearly, the Member opposite has raised an important issue. I just repeat that we do have victim's assistance workers who are of great assistance to those in these types of very difficult situations. I can advise again, in my many decades before the courts, that a lot of these supports were not available 30 or 40 years ago, so we are getting better at assisting those who are victims of crime, as I mentioned, the victim's assistance workers. Also within the Crown attorney's office, they have those who assist witnesses in preparing for the trial. Everybody knows these types of...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 52)

I of course cannot speak about individual cases, but, again speaking from my own experiences, the police and Crown attorneys do treat these matters very seriously. In fact, if I recall, approximately 40 per cent of those in custody are on remand, often for violating terms of their release and being held in custody.

If a person, an individual, is not satisfied with an RCMP investigation into their complaint, they can make a complaint to the local detachment, which usually then goes to the senior RCMP officer in G Division.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 52)

Mr. Speaker, there can always be changes to and improvements in the manner in which we conduct voting in the Northwest Territories. The change that I think is suggested by the Member opposite would, I think, tie up the Assembly to such an extent that it would not be worth the effort.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 52)

As the Prime Minister found out, this is a real jungle. For hundreds of years we've had the first-past-the-post system, and I think it's served us quite well. I don't think the government wants to engage in that sort of massive overhaul of the voting system.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 52)

Yes, Mr. Speaker. Northland was involved in the energy strategy. I understand they made submissions and had meetings with the government. As to what will take place in the future, that is to be determined. We do recognize that they are a good corporate citizen. We value their participation in the energy industry.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 52)

Of course, all assets are depreciating, but one of the things that is going to be taking place as this matter goes to the arbitrator is there will be an evaluation made of those assets which, I assume, will take into account depreciation.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 52)

If there are other franchise agreements, as I understand there are, they are subject to negotiation between the parties. I am assuming the municipal governments that entered into these arrangements did the proper research. Of course, ultimately, decisions are made by the Public Utilities Board.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 52)

No, I'm not aware of that figure, but I can certainly look into this matter for the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 52)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to, as others have, recognize the past Members Tony Whitford, Jane Groenewegen, and Sandy Lee for all their contributions to this Assembly. In addition, I'd like to recognize all the Daughters of the Vote delegates here, in particular Olivia Villebrun of Fort Smith. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 52)

Yes, of course, Mr. Speaker, rates are established by the Public Utilities Board, an organization that is independent of the territorial government. The Member opposite made reference to the rates in Yellowknife. I'd like to point out and remind all Members that rates in Yellowknife were massively subsidized during two dry seasons, so it's not as though the citizens of Yellowknife have had to bear any additional cost as a result of that, and therefore, I am confident that the rates in Hay River will, assuming the arbitrator decides to allow the acquisition of the disputed assets at a...