Louis Sebert

Yes, it is a result of the incident that took place last year. Clearly, enhanced security was required and, as I say, a budget was approved, but the bids came in at far higher than expected. We are now going to a revised approach that hopefully will lead to an enhanced security so that the inmates will be able to use that area again, and hopefully this can be accomplished at a reasonable cost.

This is, of course, an internal policy of the government, but I would like to point out again that it was reviewed thoroughly by committee, and they had certain suggestions. Now, I will say that of course, ultimately this government is guided by section 35 of the Constitution. I do not think we are contemplating another review of the policy. It was reviewed by Cabinet, reviewed by committee, and so the policy is now in place. Of course, if there can be improvements to it, we would always be open to hearing about those types of suggestions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Of course, this policy has been reviewed, not only by Cabinet but by committee, and I think it's the first time we've heard of this specific concern. The government of course does realize and is guided by its obligations under section 35 of the Constitution, and as well our approach to engaging with Aboriginal governments as set out in the respect, recognition, and responsibility document.

Now, one of the issues regarding the UNRIP legislation, or rather the UNRIP UN Resolution, is that it may have an effect on a wide variety of policies. No, we don't incorporate it directly; we are aware of it...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Nadine MacDonald from Thebacha, Fort Smith. Thank you.

Of course, the RCMP is a federal agency and have their own procurement rules, but I am happy to have our department working with the RCMP to see if efficiencies and cost savings can be found.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The department is working closely with "G" Division to develop a business case to support additional policing resources in the community and is working its way through the GNWT planning process for 2018-2019. We have heard not only from the Member opposite but from the RCMP about this request, which does seem reasonable. Thank you.

I understand that the last time that the remand centre was used in Hay River was 2005. Inmates on remand are considered high-risk, and for that reason they have to be housed in a medium- or maximum-security facility, and currently the facility in Hay River is minimum-security. Housing remand inmates in that facility would hinder the operations, simply because the facility, as I mentioned, is minimum-security, not medium or maximum, which is required.

I do know that there is a lot of traffic of prisoners back and forth to court, and that can add some additional expenses. I am hoping that members...

The department and the RCMP have formed a committee to review current practices and recommend the most effective model for providing prisoner security. Currently we are looking at the situation in Yellowknife, and this would appear to make sense in many ways.

I know that, in Nunavut, I think exclusively in Iqaluit, the sheriffs have taken over duties that were formerly conducted by the RCMP. We will be looking at this, initially for the Yellowknife courthouse, but perhaps, after that, looking at other communities where this might also create efficiencies.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I wonder if I might defer that question to Mr. Reddy, to my right. My recollection of exactly what this means has been lost in the mists of time. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a result of the questions asked by the Member opposite in May, we did have correspondence from the RCMP, and I can advise the Member opposite that during break-up this year there were instances where RCMP members responded to immediate needs in the community of Tsiigehtchic and travelled quickly there by helicopter or boat. They were able to get there fairly expeditiously when required. Thank you.