Louis Sebert

In the past there's been, Mr. Chair, some difficulty in filling these positions, so I don't think I could make that kind of commitment at this time. Clearly, a local resident, perhaps one speaking one of the local Aboriginal languages, would have some advantages. I don't think I can commit at this time to restricting the competition to a certain radius. I will hear from HR with respect to this matter I imagine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, I wonder if I might have the deputy minister address the issue. Thank you.

These changes, Mr. Chair, were only contemplated after very, very complex and comprehensive examination of the clinic library system, and it was thought that our money could simply be used more efficiently in a different way. So these changes were not taken on lightly. I realize there's a good deal of concern about many of these changes, but we thought it was simply the best, moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

It is clear, Mr. Chair, that they are at arms-length from the government. I know that there are other models, including models in Saskatchewan, where there is not that separation. So we have agreed to follow a model, rather, that does in our view ensure that separation and therefore their independence. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, that is yet to be determined. We will be seeking the right kind of individual for the position, and we're not certain as to who will apply. Obviously, if it's a new person, there'll be training required. Should know, Mr. Chair, that there's always ongoing training for court workers, so that would clearly be part of -- whether it's somebody who's already in the system or somebody new. There will be training if it is someone new, but there's always ongoing training for all court workers in any case. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, of course, as all Members will know, the position of the ombudsman is one of the matters that we're going to be discussing at the summer caucus. So I expect that, after those discussions, we'll have a better idea about how this legislation would proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, if I could go through the list in some detail, if we could look first at the Community Legal Aid Clinic, the variance is due to a transfer of a new phone system to TSC, budget and reductions and savings from a new VoiceoverInternetProtocol system, so it's a technical improvement that leads to the saving.

With respect to court workers, the Main Estimates of $1,084,000, the variance is due to the elimination of the court worker position in Fort McPherson, which had not been filled for some time. Legal aid commission, again its improvement, it's technology, it appears; variance is due...

Mr. Chair, I am given to understand that it is not. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. That very important position will be filled. We don't have an exact date on that, but it will be in the near future. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I understand that Public Safety Canada is doing a review of the First Nations Policing Program and that they will be coming north for a conference, I'm told, in September. Thank you, Mr. Chair.