Debates of May 27, 2004 (day 14)

Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the federal Sex Offender Information Registry Act passed third reading in the Senate, and received Royal Assent on April 1st of this year. Mr. Speaker, when it comes into force, the act will require sex offenders in the NWT to register with police in designated centres. Their personal information will be recorded, and their whereabouts will be monitored for the well-being and safety of the NWT residents. According to Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, the Sex Offender Information Registry Act will come into force in the fall of 2004, and all jurisdictions across Canada will be ready to implement the act at that time. I understand there have been ongoing negotiations between provinces, territories, the RCMP and the federal government about the implementation of the sex offender registry. Mr. Speaker, my question for the Minister of Justice is will the Minister please tell the assembly if the GNWT will be ready to implement the act this fall? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of Justice, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 160-15(3): National Sex Offender Registry

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my understanding is that no one is going to be ready to implement by this fall. I understand that the most recent meeting to discuss the implementation of this act, the RCMP has indicated for instance that they can’t be ready by this fall. There are a number of issues that have to be addressed, so the committee is working at moving the process along. There is a committee made up of representatives from all jurisdictions, and my understanding is now that we are looking at early 2005 for the registry to become active.

Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 160-15(3): National Sex Offender Registry

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would the Minister be willing to tell us some of the hurdles that we are receiving, so, therefore, essentially are causing the problems for implementation and be specific as to proposed timelines? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of Justice, Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 160-15(3): National Sex Offender Registry

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The biggest problem, as I understand it, is with the RCMP being ready to implement. They need to have adequate, or their system upgraded somewhat in order to be able to provide access to the system, and it is through their computer system that this system operates. So until that is done, we are at a bit of a stalemate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 160-15(3): National Sex Offender Registry

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Minister, for your answer. Mr. Speaker, my last question I believe at this time is will the Minister take any additional steps or actions to ensure the protection of the NWT citizens from convicted sex offenders during the delay of the implementation of this act? Is he willing to take any additional steps? Thank you.

Minister of Justice, Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 160-15(3): National Sex Offender Registry

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the issue of protection of the public is one that we take very seriously at all times. The RCMP is certainly aware of the concern and is very careful to monitor convicted sex offenders as they do normally, and as we do through the parole system. So I think that over the last few years there has been a change in the approach and it has gotten more rigorous. I think that while standards have changed, monitoring of the sex offender registry will provide one more tool that we’ll be able to have. Until the computers are updated, and there is adequate training and we have the forms in place to deliver, we will have to work on the programs that we have been working on to date. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.