Debates of October 25, 2004 (day 27)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Justice. It wasn’t so long ago that we were very happy in Hay River to find out that with the retirement of Chief Justice Robert Halifax that, in fact, upon his retirement and departure that the Department of Justice agreed to have a resident judge in Hay River. I was just wondering if the Minister of Justice could update us, Mr. Speaker, on what the status is of that judge relocating to Hay River. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The Minister of Justice, the Honourable Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 296-15(3): Status Of Resident Judge In Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since I have heard nothing to indicate, I would expect that Justice Schmaltz is expecting to take up residence in Hay River no later than April 1, 2005, which was the stipulation when she was offered the position. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 296-15(3): Status Of Resident Judge In Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, further, for the benefit of my constituents, I wonder if the Minister could share with us what the rationale was for postponing the move to Hay River for one year. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 296-15(3): Status Of Resident Judge In Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the rationale was that it would allow the new justice a chance to learn from her colleagues, to spend some time working with them and, in other words, having discussions after circuits and becoming more and more conversant with the role that she would be fulfilling. That would allow some time for some of that development to take place. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 296-15(3): Status Of Resident Judge In Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to know if there are any support positions associated with this judge’s position that would either be coming to Hay River or that exist in Hay River now that would stay there as a result of the judge coming to Hay River. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 296-15(3): Status Of Resident Judge In Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In terms of that position, I guess I should be cautious. I’m not absolutely certain, but I believe that there is one support position directly for the judge that is tied to that. I suspect that the position is already in Hay River, but I would have to confirm that for the Member. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

I think that’s everything. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.