Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in Committee of the Whole, when we were reviewing the Department of Justice's budget, I asked questions about a fence surrounding the North Slave Correctional Centre. At the time, the Minister of Justice, and I will quote from Hansard, said, "It is turning out this is a more complex and expensive matter than we had anticipated." On further questioning, Mr. Martin Goldney, the deputy minister of the Department of Justice, provided a few more details, noting that specialized and specific engineering studies were completed and that they anticipate things happening as soon as the summer. I would like to just get the Minister, again, on the record to let me know if this work is moving ahead and we can expect to see something moving forward in the summer? Thank you.
Masi. Minister of Justice.
Yes, Mr. Speaker. I am glad to advise that work is proceeding ahead. There was, of course, an escape from the facility last summer. A consultant was hired to provide the department with a cost estimate. Pending funding approvals, work may begin this summer. I want to assure the public, however, that until the recommended work has been completed, activities and access to the affected area is fully restricted, so there is no danger of another incident of the type that took place last August. Thank you.
I am sure my constituents and I are comforted to hear that a similar escape can't happen, but I think these improvements really need to happen. I am just wondering when we will see funding asked from the Minister's department, so we can get this work under way. I didn't see any in the supplementary appropriations. Are we going to see a funding ask any time soon?
I would expect that a funding request would be forthcoming in the summer. I can advise, however, that there have been other improvements that will be proceeding. There were two capital projects approved in the 2017-18 capital estimates for the complex, which included a security infrastructure renewal: electronic capacity to a CCTV camera on current fencing; and an improvement of the perimeter fence along the west property line to the main Kam Lake driveway entrance. It is expected that tendered documents on those two projects are currently being prepared for a spring tender and summer construction. Improvements to the facility are already being made dealing specifically with the issue of the escape that took place last August. We will be seeking funding likely in the next few months, in the summer likely.
That is a lot clearer, and I appreciate the Minister providing that information. My honourable friend the Member from Yellowknife raised communication issues around public safety concerns related to another department. I am wondering what protocols the department has in place for escapes such as the one that is required by these infrastructure improvements? Is there a protocol in place to let the residents who live next to the facility know as soon as something happens?
I want to make it clear that the department is opposed to escapes. If, of course, one does take place, as took place last summer, the public will be advised.
It's good to know that the department is opposed to it. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
