Louis Sebert

The rates set by the Public Utilities Board, of course, are set after consultation with the public and submissions by the public. We are very confident that, assuming the assets in Hay River can be acquired at a reasonable amount, and that is our belief, that once the PUB looks at that we are very confident that rates in Hay River will fall. Our estimate is they will fall between perhaps 15 and 30 per cent, somewhere in that range.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.