Louis Sebert

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I understand that there are about 65 emergency protection orders that are judicially confirmed each year. I don't think, and I'll stand to be corrected if I'm wrong, that we're planning a change in the legislation in this area. We do recognize that this is an important way that we can support victims, so it is very important, the so-called EPOs. I don't think we're contemplating changes in the legislation in this area. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We are working with our partners in the RCMP with respect to this important matter and, of course, once we determine the path forward, we likely would require further funding, if such funding is required, which would seem likely. Thank you.

I understand that our officials have reached out to their counterparts in the federal government regarding this work. Thank you.

I don't think I can commit to the creation or development of such a program at this time. There may be certain costs involved that we would have to look into. However, I do recognize that this is an important issue and will consider the question posed by the Member opposite.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Certainly, we know it is an issue in Corrections. However, not all of those with this condition are diagnosed, and I don't think we would have an exact count as to the number of people who are suffering from FASD. The Member opposite is quite correct that often they do come into contact with the justice system, but securing a diagnosis is a complex and costly process. An FASD diagnosis is not required for an individual with complex needs to access service, so as I say, diagnosis is difficult, but we do realize this is a problem in Corrections and in society generally...

We will be introducing a bill shortly which will include updated provisions related to security. This is a shared mandate commitment to develop an integrated comprehensive approach to the management of contaminated sites and develop a sound financial security system to prevent public liabilities. Lands has been supporting EIA and ENR's work on contaminated sites, and it is contemplating a securities tracking system for the GNWT, so we are making progress, I would suggest, in this area, and we will be introducing a bill shortly.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Certainly, I have looked at some of the commentary on this very important case. As Members may know, this worked its way through the court system up to the Supreme Court of Canada and had to do with the obligations when a company goes bankrupt. In essence, they said, and I am quoting from a commentary, "After going bankrupt, an oil and gas company has to fulfill provincial environmental obligations before paying anyone it owes money to, the Supreme Court has ruled." This is an important case because it will affect all companies and also affect those that lend to...

I can certainly look into that and get back to the Member opposite. I know this is important work, and as I mentioned earlier, other jurisdictions have moved ahead, particularly in the area of third-party reporting. I think the Yukon and British Columbia, if I have that right, have moved ahead on this. I do realize it is an important issue, but I can't really give a timeline at this point. I will check with the parties involved and get back to the Member opposite.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Department officials and the RCMP are exploring alternative options for victims to report sexual assault, such as third-party reporting, as well as the potential for external review committees. This will require a collaborative effort between GNWT, NGOs, and the RCMP. This is an important matter, and I realize that considerable progress has been made in this area in other jurisdictions. Thank you.

Certainly in the department we're always looking at our programs that are delivered to those in custody with a view of improving their lives and hoping to rehabilitate them so they can re-join society. Looking at the programs is an ongoing process, and obviously we will continue to do that. Thank you.