Louis Sebert

We are not anticipating that this will cause any difficulties or reduce access to justice. We haven't done a study of other jurisdictions, but certainly the ones nearest to us and most of them in Canada have gone to this type of system. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I don't think we are aware of any particular concerns about a backlog. Thank you.

Yes, of course, the issue of succession planning is very important. I know that every year or few years there are no graduates of the program who have decided to pursue a career in corrections. There is succession planning from that point of view. Perhaps I will let the deputy minister expand on that a bit. Thank you.

Yes, I am. I was expecting this question, actually. We have issued a tender for construction of a temporary resource centre on the fourth floor, and we are hoping that that will be open by April of this year, depending on the tender results. It is important to realize that the current library is still open. Access to it is a little difficult, but I think that most lawyers have a fob, and the general public, I think, can access it through a request to court services. When I walk by the library, usually there are no lights on, so I don't think there's much usage. I think there has been one...

Of course, lease fees are fees for the exclusive use of the land, and they are based on the assessed value of the land. Of course, there are certain costs that are borne by the department. This is not a cash grab in any way. We think the reduction from 10 to 5 per cent is quite reasonable.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In response to an earlier question, I did identify the number of visits that the RCMP were making. Clearly these were not all in response to offences in the community, but I would be happy to bring over somebody to meet with committee, should committee wish, from the RCMP to discuss what goes on apart from the regular policing in the communities. Thank you.

There is really no change from the current system except that people may take the option of getting the audio version. Also, too, with respect to appeals, particularly in criminal matters, if they are legal aid funded, I imagine, well, legal aid will pay for the cost of getting the transcript. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think I should discuss these matters with the commanding officer and get back to committee. Thank you.

First of all, Mr. Chair, I want to say that there have been no financial reductions at the corrections facilities that I am aware of, and I also understood that senior staff are meeting with corrections officers on a regular basis to inform them of any changes in programming. Thank you.

Yes, Mr. Chair. I think we could provide a history of when the rates changed over time, going back some time. I am not sure how long. Thank you.