Louis Sebert

Yes.

Yes, of course. It has been mentioned by the deputy minister that this is a pilot project. In my view, it has been a pretty successful project, so we are looking at it moving forward, and as I say, looking at the numbers of referrals, it appears to be a well-used program, but it is, of course, a pilot at this stage. Thank you.

Yes. We can do that.

Yes, that certainly is an important question, but I wonder if we might defer that until we get to policing services.

Yes, thank you. The Member has brought this matter to my attention, and I do have a copy of the report from 2014 on my desk.

The department is currently preparing the scope for a program review of Victim Services. The intent is to have a contractor in place early in 2019-2020 and a final report later in the year. This is important. This is an important area, and this report will be a key document to guide us in any future decisions regarding the program and how it is delivered in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

My understanding, Mr. Chair, is that that was the RCMP's commitment, and I certainly will keep committee and Members apprised as to progress, but, again, it's the commitment of the RCMP. There may be operational reasons why they could not get that done sooner rather than later. Clearly, it's an important issue, and most members have completed the course, most regular members. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm not certain whether there is any limitation on the number of pilots you can have, but the program, in our view, has been successful. I cannot commit to this, but I think it's time that we take a very careful look at this. It has been a success, and perhaps it's time to move ahead to a program that is not a pilot. In fact, that's the goal of the work that we're doing at this time, or the department is. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Of course, that is the objective, as I mentioned previously, to have all regular members complete this course. I don't have a date, but hopefully, as I say, all will be able to complete the course. I will check on that to see and inform committee, should they wish, as to progress. As I say, 139 members, I'm told, or 71.2 percent have completed the course. Clearly there is another 28.8 who need to. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I don't want to change my response because there is a different questioner, but my understanding is that it ends on March 31, 2020. We're sure of that, and we are confident that it started three years ago. It's a three-year program, I'm told. Heads are nodding. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes. As I have mentioned numerous times, this is an important issue, and we do continue to work with our partners in the RCMP. Clearly the RCMP internally have made what I would suggest are significant advances arising out of the report that I referenced earlier called "The Way Forward: The RCMP's sexual assault review and victim support action plan." Now, we are working with the RCMP with respect to third-party reporting. That is an important issue, so progress has been made. Further progress is clearly needed. Thank you, Mr. Chair.