Louis Sebert

Yes, we can provide a written update.

I just want to point out, however, that it's not as though any of the materials in the old library have been disposed of to this point. The full collection is there. It's not being updated as it once was, admittedly, but the old collection is still there. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes, this of course is an important project. As I mentioned the other day, we did go out for bids for this project, and, unfortunately, the response from the contractors who submitted tenders was way above the money that had been approved for this work. We therefore are looking at a revised approach to secure the yard from which the inmate escaped, and I will certainly keep this House informed as to progress. The original idea was to, in essence, put up a new interior fence. That proved to be much too expensive, so we are looking at other alternatives to secure this area. Hopefully once...

As mentioned, the current library, of course, is open to the public. Opening a new resource centre will depend on the nature and type of renovations that we decide to do, if any. As has been mentioned, the issue of renovations appears much more complicated than we had originally anticipated. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a constituent in the gallery, from Fort Smith, my wife, Anne.

I think the plan is, Mr. Chair, to start those discussions fairly soon with the Department of Infrastructure, perhaps in the next six months, by 2018.

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.