Louis Sebert

Yes, of course, Mr. Speaker, and in fact, in January of this year I appeared before committee to discuss this very issue and correspondence was exchanged with respect to the very issue raised by the Member.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Equity leases were leases that were entered into between the Government of Northwest Territories and individual residents on Commissioner's land. Essentially the lease set out a program of payment which enabled the lessees, the individuals, to make up-front larger payments of the lease amount and then a nominal amount through the term of the lease. I must say that there are many interpretations as to what rights that gave the lessor and lessees. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we want the NWT residents to thrive in a strong and healthy society, and there is no place in strong and healthy homes for family violence. In response to this goal, our government made a mandate commitment to strengthen initiatives and partnerships to prevent and respond to family violence. By working together we have made real progress in creating and supporting the programs that will help us achieve healthier communities and families.

The Department of Justice, along with the Departments of Health and Social Services, and Status of Women, all have...

Yes, of course, the Power Corporation is doing that. As I say, there is always the possibility of litigation for breach of contract, but I am not terribly optimistic as to how that would result. I will speak again to management at the Power Corporation and could perhaps, after that, privately address this issue more fully with the Member opposite.

Of course, the general legislation will come into effect in July 2018 which will deal with production, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis. I understand that the regulation of edible cannabis products will follow approximately six months after that date, so we are going to have to see what that legislation looks at before we prepare a response. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yes, Mr. Chair. This is now a 40-year-old building. It was initially built as a courthouse, but my understanding is that it always included office space housing the Department of Justice.

I realize that philosophically that creates some problems in that there should, of course, be a clear division between various branches of government and the judiciary. There have been efforts over the years to promote, if I can put it that way, a standalone courthouse, which would clearly be a good thing. I think we can all say that.

The problem is, as I understand, that years ago when this was looked at, the...

Yes, Mr. Chair, I wonder if I might defer that question to Ms. Bolstad. Thank you.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. To my left is Mandi Bolstad, director of corporate services, and to my right, Martin Goldney, the deputy minister of Justice. Thank you.

Clearly, Virdi Power would be responsible for these costs if they have breached the contract. However, realistically speaking, it may be that that is not a likely option to recover our money. It may be, unfortunately, that, should we not receive the generators, we may simply have to write off this money.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't have any new news with respect to this matter. Of course, as I did mention in the House previously, we are hoping we will get at least some of these generators. There is also always the possibility, I suppose, of litigation in California, but that may not lead to any great success because you are probably going to be dealing, should it come to that, with issues surrounding creditors' rights and so on. I will certainly give this House an update as soon as I have heard anything further. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.