Debates of January 20, 2004 (day 1)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as most Members are aware, the Honourable Chief Judge Robert Halifax has retired after some 26 years of distinguished service to the residents of the North. A common theme that was echoed by many at Chief Judge Halifax’s retirement party, Mr. Speaker, was the relationship with the people of all nine of the communities south of the lake that Robert Halifax was able to establish as a resident judge based in Hay River.

Mr. Speaker, in 1976, the Government of the Northwest Territories made an important decision to place a resident judge in Hay River upon the completion of the courthouse. Mr. Speaker, Hay River has been a judicial centre since that time and the residents of the South Slave have enjoyed the services of a resident judge for almost 30 years.

Mr. Speaker, there are many inherent benefits to having a resident judge in the South Slave. For example, a resident judge is essential to establishing continuity, both within the justice system and within the communities that are served. As well, they will get to know the families involved and the people’s background, which I believe is key to an effective judicial process.

Another key benefit to a resident judge, Mr. Speaker, is the justice of the peace program, which has proven to be a tremendous success over the years. There are a number of long-serving justices of the peace south of the lake and it’s essential that this vital and valuable program be continued. Also, we would be in danger of losing, Mr. Speaker, the community-based justice programs that have been so effective in the South Slave.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it’s imperative that we, as legislators, create a sustainable economic base at the community level. The support services for a resident judge are firmly established in Hay River. We have all of the infrastructure in place to fully support a resident judge and our location within the South Slave region is ideal for travel to all of the communities in the South Slave.

Mr. Speaker, there appears to be a force at work that is compiling statistics that imply a reduced workload for a judge in the South Slave communities, thereby justifying the argument that a resident judge is not required. Conversely, the statistics that I have been able to garner, which are far too extensive to go over in this forum, clearly show that there is a demonstrated need for a resident judge to serve the South Slave and that there is no reduced workload.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You have unanimous consent to conclude your statement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I feel that it is incumbent upon the Minister of Justice to ensure that the needs of the residents of the nine communities south of the lake are taken into consideration when determining a replacement for resident Chief Judge Halifax. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Minister to do the right thing and ensure that a resident judge is placed in Hay River. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause