Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Recently I was contacted by a constituent who has a son incarcerated in our jails. I’d like to ask the Minister of Justice a question. I guess one of the changes that have been brought to my attention is that apparently there are no halfway houses here in Yellowknife for the inmates. We’re actually going to be sending inmates down to Edmonton. Of course, the concern is that it’s going to be that much more costly for the parents, friends and family to visit inmates. I’d like to know more about what this change is as well.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Minister responsible for Justice, Mr. Lafferty.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I think we need to gather more information on this particular case. Who are we referring to? The condition of the case if it’s going to be transferred to Edmonton, there are always certain cases why they’re transferred to Edmonton. I need to gather more information on this subject.
I guess just in general, is there a change in our policy or directive at the jail that we have to send inmates out to a halfway house in Edmonton or outside our jurisdiction?
There have been, within the policy, changes to certain programs. I need to dig further into this particular area. The Member is referring to individuals who are being sent to a halfway house. I need to work with my colleague, as well, at the Health and Social Services department and find out what the status is, which file he is referring to.
Like I said, with certain inmates, they are transferred to certain areas, depending on their circumstances and their positions. I need to gather more information on this particular file.
I’d be pleased to share the details with the Minister and follow up on this issue. I’m not sure, but I think the Minister took the question as notice as well.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. I didn’t hear a question there. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
