Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is about the time of year the Standing Committee on Government Operations conducts public hearings with statutory officers who serve an ombudsmanlike role over the government. So I'd like to take the opportunity, today, to speak to the Minister of Justice, who is charged with developing ombudsman legislation: where is this proposal? Thank you.
Masi. Minister of Justice.
Yes, Mr. Speaker. I believe that we will be coming forward with legislation later this year. Thank you.
I'm very eager to see this legislation, but I notice the budget doesn't have an ombudsman office listed, so how are we paying for the ombudsman role once the legislation is passed?
We are, of course, committed to the office of an ombudsman, but we have not yet ascertained all of the costs.
I mean, it's clear that Northerners need a onestop-shop for concerns around access to government services, and we need to make sure we understand what the costs are going to be on this government to provide that service and support the ombudsman. So will the Minister commit to getting those facts and figures together and presenting them to either the Standing Committee on Government Operations or to Members of the House, so we can understand the fiscal implications of this office on this government?
Yes. I understand that this is a matter that would go to the Board of Management, so obviously they're going to have to determine what those costs are.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister committed that the legislation is going to come sometime this year. Which sitting of this House will he table the bill for ombudsman? Thank you.
I'm not certain at which sitting. We do have quite an ambitious legislative menu that is coming up; legislation in such areas as cannabis is very important and is very timely. We will, however, and are intending to bring forward legislation this year. I can't give you an exact date. Thank you.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.
