Caroline Wawzonek

I can only assume, Mr. Chair, that the Member might be referring to the fact that there are individuals who have attended the Northwest Territories from British Columbia with specialized skills, to deliver specialized training, but the Department of Justice applies, to the extent that there is a criminal code, the federal criminal code, and to the extent that it's the laws of the Northwest Territories, and indeed we have developed our own training program for corrections officers with northern components within that, and will continue to refine and deliver that program in the Northwest...

We're fortunate that we have a very positive working relationship with the RCMP. We do meet quite regularly with the commander of the "G" Division, and so I would have no difficulty making a commitment to raise the concerns on behalf of the communities of Monfwi in terms of stemming any tide of drugs reaching those communities. I would also note for the Member that the Minister does have policing priorities that are put out every year, every spring, and indeed it's my intention this year to reach out, and have begun the process of reaching out, to communities to ensure that the policing...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. One of the key areas of engagement that we have already begun as the Department of Justice within the 19th Assembly is to truly advocate to the federal government to expand the First Nations Policing Program. The First Nations Policing Program provides a different type of funding arrangement between the RCMP and the Government of the Northwest Territories and supports the increase of additional positions within Indigenous communities. Under that program, as it is, there are five additional police officers coming in, in 2021, but it's our view that that program really...

Mr. Chair, will the Member be satisfied if I simply say yes?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, I certainly can table that as a response, in terms of the specific funding to communities. We will do that. There are currently eight communities that are receiving funding for in-person services. Other communities in their respective regions can access them by telephone. I can certainly commit to considering whether or not Victim Services can and should be expanded to other in-person services in other communities; what I can't do is commit to, in fact, having that happen. It would have to look at what the report says and conduct some degree of cost benefit analysis...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The facilities that are based in Fort Smith, certainly the one that is for male individuals, is often one that receives individuals who have other, higher needs. For example, often with mental health challenges, which wouldn't necessarily be appropriate for the therapeutic model. The North Slave facility is the facility that generally houses, first of all, more remand individuals, but also often higher risk individuals. There may be a vision, and the time may come where other facilities can transition or add to their programming, but for the moment, what's happening in...

I think the Member has perhaps answered her own question ultimately on this particular matter. I understand that that is maybe rhetorical and directed at me for other reasons. I acknowledge that we are continuing to face challenges to have a workforce that is truly representative of the people of the Northwest Territories. That remains the goal of human resources. That remains my goal as Minister, and I believe it's reflected in the mandates that we were given here to increase employment opportunities across the Northwest Territories.

I would note that the Affirmative Action Policy is only one...

Madam Chair, challenges have been expressed. The hiring process that we have is meant to be one that is objective, that includes opportunities for objectivity in terms evaluating qualifications. The race to ensure that objectivity can make the process seem arduous, so I understand that there are some frustrations. I'm alive to it. I appreciate getting the comments from the Member. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Perhaps I will say that, within the course of the current session, if the situation hasn't improved, I will make sure that the Member is made aware of it, so that she has time to take me to task for it on the floor. I am hopeful that she won't have to do that. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Not every person who applies has appeal rights. Those who do have appeal rights, I believe the intention is that they should be given that information. Thank you, Madam Chair.