Louis Sebert

Mr. Speaker, I believe we can capture what we have learned in various ways. First of all, as I mentioned several times previously in answers, the ATIPP Act, we are seeking the involvement of the general public in that. Also, of course, as I mentioned, at the Caucus meeting we are discussing several issues that are very important for public engagement and openness of the government. I believe we can capture what we have learned. We can hear from the public, and we can move forward in this very important area.

This government is, Mr. Speaker, committed to a more open and transparent government, and, apart from the efforts I have already mentioned, there is, of course, the comprehensive review of the ATIPP Act which is being conducted at this very time. The original act came into force in 1996, and we have gone out for public consultation. The original closing date, if I can put it that way, for that was June 15, 2016, but I understand that has been extended to July 15th. We are making efforts in changing the act. This is a very important piece of legislation that will lead to a more open and...

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South that Bill 6, Miscellaneous Statute Law Amendment Act, 2016, be read for the second time. This bill corrects inconsistencies and errors in the Statutes of the Northwest Territories. This bill also deals with other matters of a minor non-controversial and uncomplicated nature in the statutes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I’m not aware of a contingency plan at this time, but I will certainly undertake to provide the Member opposite with any information I do have or I can obtain, rather, as to a contingency plan that might exist.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, the Member is quite correct, the funding does run out at the end of the year and there is currently an evaluation taking place. An external evaluation is being conducted by a company by Proactive; their services were obtained to a standing offer agreement. The cost of the evaluation is $43,700 and the evaluation is to be completed by November 1, 2016. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, of course the going out for public engagement on the ATIPP Act is an important aspect which allows the general public to become engaged in the making of this very important piece of legislation, or the updating of this very important piece of legislation.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As part of our mandate to have a more open and transparent government, we have taken several steps. Cabinet has had informal meetings with the public in Norman Wells and in Inuvik. At the summer Caucus retreat, we will be looking at various models for the ombudsman role, so that’s another step we have taken towards a more open and transparent government. In addition, the rules committee has been looking at various models to have the scope of the midterm review that will take place in 2017, and that also will be discussed at the caucus meeting this summer. Steps have...

Mr. Speaker, I move seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South that Bill 8, An Act to Amend the Children’s Law Act, be read for the second time. This bill amends the Children’s Law Act to establish the recalculation service. Child support orders and child welfare agreements registered with the service will be recalculated annually based on updated income information. This bill also includes a number of non-substantive amendments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, there are many different programs that we are working on which we work with other departments on. I also know that there are many programs within the corrections service, and hopefully what we hope to have is an overlap between programs that are afforded to inmates in the corrections when they return to the public so that it will help their reintegration. We are working with other departments.

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, the evaluation is to be completed by November 1, 2016, and hopefully we’ll actually receive it slightly before that time and we do believe that that will give us sufficient time; that there will be no gaps in treatment and that this important type of program will continue.