Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I have questions for the Minister of Justice. In the 17th Assembly, the honourable Member for Great Slave was Minister of Justice at the time. During the time of his tenure as Justice Minister, he expressed his gratitude towards those involved with developing and delivering the New Day Program, as well as those men who were choosing a better way: "We know that family violence is deliberate. We know that violence is based on a pattern of behaviours against the will and against the well-being of family members. This program will be a significant step towards positive change." So that's when the pilot started, Mr. Speaker.
Today, my question for the current Minister of Justice: does the Minister recognize the significant achievements of the New Day Program in fulfilling the mandate of this Assembly and the designed intentions of the program, and does he commit to continuing to support this program after the pilot expires? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Minister of Justice.
Certainly, Mr. Speaker, this government recognizes the seriousness of family violence in the Northwest Territories. We are committed to the types of programs such as New Day. As the Member opposite likely knows, this is a pilot project, however, which ends on December 31, 2016. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
What is the intention of the department today? Is it to extend this program or is it to move forward with something different?
As I mentioned in prior questions, I think during our last session, there is a study of the program that is being conducted at this very time. I am expecting the results of that study within the next few weeks, I think by the end of November. At that point, we will decide which course we will take.
At this point, the facilitators of the New Day Program are unsure of their continuing role in delivering this service in the Northwest Territories. Can the Minister commit to meeting with the staff of the New Day Program and perhaps working on ways to improve the current existing program? I think Members of this House have signalled, by putting the name of the program in the mandate, that this is something we support, continue to support, and want to see preserved.
I am very much looking forward to receiving the report. It's going to be a very extensive report, and when I receive that, I'll determine what action we should take next.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister commit to providing that report and an update on the situation before December 31st of this calendar year, when the pilot program is due to expire? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hear, Hear.
No.
---Laughter
Mr. Speaker, there seems to be a differing opinion on this side of the House, but I don't think I can commit to any specific date, as I'm not certain when I will actually receive it, but it will be shared with Members opposite. Thank you.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
