Louis Sebert

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to present the 2018-2019 Main Estimates for the Department of Justice. Overall, the department's estimates propose an increase of $2.7 million or 2.2 per cent over the 2017-2018 Main Estimates.

In our mandate, our government defines commitments to support the RCMP. We recognize the integral part they play to keep our families safe, including the reduction of violence in family homes and supporting community priorities. We will continue to work collaboratively with the RCMP to find innovative ways to address operational and financial pressures in providing...

I'm not certain whether we have any employees in the program that was referenced by the Member, but I know there are people on transfer assignments. I don't know whether Mr. Goldney wants to add anything to that. Thank you.

I mean, I was speaking of the average wait times. Obviously, we would like to reduce it as much as possible. I would say, if we got it down to somewhere in the area of six weeks, that would be pretty reasonable. Thank you.

I am always willing to work with the Minister of Health. I don't know whether it would be appropriate or would suit the RCMP to travel in at the same time, but I can discuss that with the Minister. Thank you.

I don't think that has been looked at recently. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes. We'll attempt to put that information together. As I say, it might be somewhat difficult, but I believe we can do it. Thanks.

Ten per cent was, on reflection, thought to be a little on the high side. Therefore, we are contemplating reducing it to 5 per cent, which I think is really very reasonable, as I say. In the example of the property that had the value of $40,000, 5 per cent of that would be $2,000. The seniors, in addition, could apply for a rebate. As I also mentioned earlier in response to another question, there is possible support through the Income Assistance Policy Manual. I don't think we are contemplating lowering it below 5 per cent, which is a reduction of 50 per cent from what it was. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As I did mention, we do follow the lead of the territorial government and our numbers are probably somewhat similar to their success rates, if I can put it that way. Overall, certainly we would be always interested in looking at new approaches to increase those numbers, but as I say, currently we're following the general lead of the territorial government with respect to its Affirmative Action Policy. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Certainly, the waiting list for a criminal is not particularly long because we have a system going and people going to court generally are considered presumed eligible, so they will have access to legal aid early.

As I mentioned, there were approximately 25. Over the last few years, it does seem to be an average of 24 or 25 visits per year, but I understand that, from the Fort Simpson detachment, they do work on the planning for these visits. Thank you.