Louis Sebert

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.

I am uncertain as to what the next steps will be in the Sahtu region, but I can check into that and get back to the Member opposite.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government believes that regional land use plans are the primary instrument to define where certain activities can take place in a specific region or area, and the Member opposite will know that that is a commitment of this government, to attempt to advance that in collaboration with our Aboriginal governments and, in some cases, in collaboration with the federal government. We are attempting to advance land use planning. In some areas, there are defined land use plans that are legally binding. There has been progress; progress is slow, and we are still working on...

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.

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 do. May I proceed to the table?

I wish to table to following two documents entitled "Strengthening Our Core – 2016-2017 Annual Report of the Northwest Territories Hydro Corporation and the Northwest Territories Power Corporation," and "Proposed Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories, 2016-2017 (Revised) - with Tracked changes." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.