Louis Sebert

Mr. Speaker, this pilot program has been running since 2012, and we do appreciate there was a gap in the service provider. I'm sure the final report, which we are eagerly anticipating, will take that into account in their evaluation of the program.

Mr. Speaker, of course I've not yet received the report, but I understand that the report is a comprehensive one. I'm sure they looked at a wide variety of information, I don't know exactly what information they looked at, but I'm almost certain they looked at a wide variety of information. I do not know if they specifically looked at the monthly reports, but their information provided to us, so far, is that there were only 31 clients and only 16 graduates.

Mr. Chair, my only comment on this is: whatever happened to transparency? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled "Department of Lands: Integrated Risk-based Strategic Plan 2016-2017 to 2020-2021." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I'm not certain as to whether such an evaluation was in the initial terms of reference, but all pilot projects virtually, the very nature of a pilot project is that it is to be evaluated, and that type of evaluation is being done at this time.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned yesterday, this program is being reviewed. There may have been people that were informed about the program, perhaps that's how they got to that 300 number. I do know, however, that only 31 entered the program and only 16 graduated. So there may have been other types of contacts, but as far as people actually in the program and completing the program, there were very few. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Certainly, Mr. Speaker, we are committed to this type of program. But we are, again, waiting for the evaluation of the A New Day Program and we are very much looking forward to receiving that report.

As I said, we should be receiving it shortly. Again, we are committed to the type of program. We are very much looking forward to this evaluation, as we recognize that this is a very important issue within the Northwest Territories. So as soon as we get the report and have reviewed it in Cabinet, we will share it with the Members opposite. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Again, Mr. Speaker, we are waiting for the evaluation of the program. Certainly we recognize the concerns expressed about there being a gap, and we will try to address that matter once we have had a full review of the report.

Mr. Speaker, of course this is a priority under the mandate of this government and I think all Members will recall we had an interesting discussion on this very issue at the Caucus retreat in August. I expect to have a legislative proposal to committee on the establishment of the ombudsman in the first half of 2017.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following two documents entitled "Northwest Territories Surface Rights Board 2016 Annual Report" and "Northwest Territories Surface Rights Board 2016-2017 Budget." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.