Debates of January 20, 2004 (day 1)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Honourable Joe Handley, Premier of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, in my line of questioning a little earlier with the Minister of Justice, it seems to me that I heard that the Minister is not prepared to go to Cabinet with a decision on the replacement of the resident judge in Hay River and that he's getting his direction from the judiciary. So it creates some concern, Mr. Speaker, that if his information is coming from the judiciary, who is looking after the interests of the people? I just heard the Premier say that every decision that's made requires a lot of consultation and input. I would like to ask the Premier if he would commit to making a recommendation to Cabinet that the resident judge in Hay River is re-established. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Hear, hear!

Mr. Speaker, I had a good meeting in Hay River last week with the mayor and some council and MLAs from Hay River. This issue was raised at that meeting. I committed to making sure we have all of the information, the best information available to us in making this decision. A paper will be brought to Cabinet by the Minister of Justice, and at that point we'll look at the information and Cabinet will make a decision at that time. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Delorey.

Supplementary To Question 7-15(2): Resident Justice Vacancy In Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Premier just said that when the paper comes to Cabinet they will look at all the information and make a decision at that time. What avenue do we have or do people have to get the information to Cabinet that we want Cabinet to look at, not just the information that comes from the judiciary? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 7-15(2): Resident Justice Vacancy In Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think all of the MLAs are now aware of this issue. If there are any questions, I certainly invite you to talk to me or talk to the Minister of Justice. Our door is open, we welcome you to come and discuss it with us. When I met in Hay River, the concerns were raised. At that meeting, I also invited people to provide me with information. I gave them a summary of the information I had and asked that if they felt it wasn't correct, then provide me with the other side as well. So the door is open for Members to approach us with more information, better information if they want. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Delorey.

Supplementary To Question 7-15(2): Resident Justice Vacancy In Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, will the Premier commit to also passing on to Cabinet the negative possible impacts that not replacing the resident judge in Hay River could have on the community; both what he has been informed of so far and any information that comes to him between now and the decision? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Premier.

Further Return To Question 7-15(2): Resident Justice Vacancy In Hay River

Mr. Speaker, yes, we will. I listened very carefully in Hay River last week. I listened very carefully to the Member’s statement today. If there’s other information, I welcome that as well. Thank you.