Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Justice. The Standing Committee on Social Development met with the commander of the RCMP's "G" Division at the end of October to be briefed on current policing issues. In my response to my questions about enabling third-party reporting of sexual assaults, the commander said that a joint RCMP-Department of Justice working group was looking at options. I would like to ask the Minister what the status of this work is. Mahsi.
Masi. Minister of Justice.
Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Department officials and the RCMP are exploring alternative options for victims to report sexual assault, such as third-party reporting, as well as the potential for external review committees. This will require a collaborative effort between GNWT, NGOs, and the RCMP. This is an important matter, and I realize that considerable progress has been made in this area in other jurisdictions. Thank you.
Thank you to the Minister. I'm going to be really happy when you report that we are making considerable progress in this jurisdiction on this issue. I would like a little more detail around how often the working group is meeting and how it is engaging service providers who have front-line experience with people who have experienced sexual assault.
I do know, obviously, that there are many partners in this important work. I am not certain as to when the last meetings took place or what level of engagement has been made, but I will look into that and get back to the Member opposite.
I appreciate the Minister's commitment to obtain more information. Is there any kind of, I don't want to say "deadline," but is there any thought that there will be recommendations and an implementation plan focused on the most promising options within the remaining life of this Assembly?
I can certainly look into that and get back to the Member opposite. I know this is important work, and as I mentioned earlier, other jurisdictions have moved ahead, particularly in the area of third-party reporting. I think the Yukon and British Columbia, if I have that right, have moved ahead on this. I do realize it is an important issue, but I can't really give a timeline at this point. I will check with the parties involved and get back to the Member opposite.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am hopeful that this issue will come to completion in the life of this Assembly and that we don't have to start over with it again. I am also hopeful that this initiative will produce a definite ask of any additional resources that would be required to facilitate third-party reporting and third-party review. Can the Minister commit to providing this information when this information will be available when he is rounding up the other information?
I am not certain about the question, whether the question had to do with financial resources that were going to be provided. I will again talk to the parties, involve the RCMP and, of course, the Department of Justice, and get as much information as I can as to timelines, certainly. As to financial commitments, I will have to look into that. Thank you.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.
