Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to update the House on our work in family law reform. This supports our government’s priority of Building our Future by investing in effective and accessible programs that help families in transition move forward in a positive way.
As Members know, the Department of Justice now offers a mediation service and a course on parenting after separation and divorce. Both these courses are free to participants. They are designed to help parents resolve issues that arise because of a divorce or separation. They also help them continue to be effective parents in changing circumstances. The services are fast and accessible.
The expanded mediation program started in March 2009 and has been very successful. Five mediators offer their services throughout the Northwest Territories, in person or by teleconference. The mediators help people reach their own agreement and give them tools to help resolve future disputes on their own. It is faster than going to court and frees up resources and energy to spend time on more important things, like the kids. To date, Mr. Speaker, they have helped over 50 separating couples reach agreements without going to court. For a government investment of about $80,000, that’s a pretty good return, Mr. Speaker.
The Parenting after Separation and Divorce Program is a half-day course that helps parents make the transition to parenting their children in a new setting: parenting together but apart. It has been offered 15 times since June 2009. Effective April 1st, the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories made the program mandatory in most cases for Yellowknife residents who are bringing court applications for custody and access. This is a one-year pilot project undertaken by the Supreme Court. Upon completion of the course, parents receive a certificate which they must file with the court as proof of completion. This model has worked very well in other parts of the country. It helps to keep both parents’ focus on doing what’s best for their kids. I’m looking forward to seeing the results of the pilot project.
Mr. Speaker, one of the challenges we faced with the Parenting after Separation and Divorce Program was how to deliver it to the people throughout the Northwest Territories. The demand outside of Yellowknife is quite small and the costs of delivery are high. Yet, we wanted to ensure that it was accessible to all residents. I am pleased to tell you that, in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Services, we are able to deliver this course simultaneously in Yellowknife and other communities using the Telehealth infrastructure.
We are fortunate to have a talented group of court workers who can help our residents through the legal system. Court workers are part of the community and they are well positioned to provide information about our legal system. That includes information about family law and child protection. We are now offering annual training sessions to our court workers. We want to make sure that they stay current and have the knowledge and confidence they need to help residents all over the NWT access justice services.
Mr. Speaker, we have accomplished a great deal, but we still have more to do. Ultimately, we want to create a justice system that is responsive and accessible to all Northerners. Some of our current projects are to investigate and assess a workable model for a children’s lawyer to give children a voice in proceedings where they need to be heard, an expanded alternative dispute resolution service to give people more choices.
Mr. Speaker, I will continue to update this Assembly on the progress of this work. We will look to your continued advice and support. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Robert C. McLeod.
