Caroline Wawzonek

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This was an attempt on the part of the Department of Justice to identify and to review what the program of Lands was and to see what services would be required to Lands in order for them to be successful in their program. For example, there was initially determining if an individual has an Indigenous right to the land that is at issue. That is not often an uncomplicated process, legally. Then, also, as the program from Lands rolls out, to support the Department of Lands in terms of seeking to have somebody removed if they are, in fact, unauthorized in their occupancy...

I did take your full note, as the Member was speaking earlier, I can't confirm that those are indeed the changes that are being contemplated to reduce the fees.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. That number was derived from a range, looking at 248 active participants. It would be roughly about 130 or so. That's just me making a guess without a calculator. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, that kind of tracking is being kept. I'm scanning my notes right now for numbers, but that's not the best use of anyone's time right here. Let me commit to getting some numbers back, and perhaps what I will do is engage directly with the Member first before responding, to ensure that we're giving the kinds of numbers he's looking for that can assist this committee in evaluating this work. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As I had indicated earlier, I am aware that there has been some change in terms of the registration process and that, whereas before anyone who may have dropped in could have simply written their name down and been noted as having registered, now there is a more rigorous expectation that someone who wishes to take the program does need to formally register themselves. As such, that may account for some of the drop in numbers. I'm certainly hesitant to entirely ascribe that to the drop in numbers, since it is, as the Member has noted, a small sample and a short period of...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. There is not a specific line item for cultural activities within the facility. That said, it is very much considered to be a core part of the services that are provided by corrections in the Northwest Territories, starting from the point when somebody enters the facility through to the kinds of programming that are provided, as well as, for example, even the structure of the buildings themselves. The new facility that is in Fort Smith, Mr. Chair, has considered better integrating a land-based approach, even within the facility itself, even within the construction of the...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am hesitant to answer that. I think that may be a question that might come up as Lands comes before the committee. From the perspective of these positions, their role would be, firstly, to help determine whether or not there is an Indigenous right to a land that is being claimed or occupied, and then also to help enforce when there's a case of somebody who is unauthorized on the land. The role of these lawyers isn't primarily to be one of collection. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have some good news. That is that the majority of provisions are expected to be brought forward, or brought into force, in the fall, this fall of 2020. That would include the changes that are being made to reduce some of the fees. With respect to changes that are going to be made that will impact on smaller communities and municipalities, Madam Speaker, a working group has been formed with representatives of the small communities to ensure that they are part of the process to develop those regulations. That working group now has set dates when they will meet, and as...

Mr. Chair, no, I hear the Member's point. I hear his concerns. I would note that one of the other things that ICM does deliver is identifying barriers in the services that are provided. Certainly, I can commit to saying that as those barriers are being identified, we do now, in this Assembly, the 19th Legislative Assembly need to do a better job of ensuring that those barriers are removed. That will have benefits for our residents across the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. It's my understanding that that work is currently being undertaken by the executive director of OROGO and that it will be coming before committee as part of the planning process. I can see the difference in the numbers myself. I am confident that the executive director at OROGO is going to be undertaking that work if she hasn't already. It will be back before committee. If the committee would like a technical briefing before we get into business planning process, I'm more than happy to make sure that that happens. Thank you, Mr. Chair.