Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In continuation of the questions posed by my colleague from Inuvik Twin Lakes, I would like to ask some questions of the Minister of Health and Social Services today. One of the questions that was asked by my colleague was in regard to working groups and who our GNWT collaborates with on those working groups, so what I would like to know is: who outside of the Government of the Northwest Territories does the Government of the Northwest Territories collaborate with on its working group for creating its action plan for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls? Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Minister of Health and Social Services.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Health and Social Services works with a variety of organizations and NGOs, including NWT disabilities and status of women.
The Minister mentioned that the working group is currently doing an analysis on the calls for justice from Reclaiming Power and Place. What is the deadline for this analysis?
At this time, we do not have a timeline. Once we do, we will let the Member know.
The Minister has mentioned before that we are national leaders in aggressive COVID-19 testing and that we are national leaders in a very timely response to the Reclaiming Power and Place report. I would like to urge the GNWT to be both an aggressive and a timely national leader in its action to do with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Will the Minister commit to providing an annual report to this House on the status of its plans and timelines so we can be accountable to keeping all Northerners safe? Thank you.
Yes, the department will be looking at doing an annual report.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and I appreciate the Minister's commitment. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to know, when someone disappears, there is rarely evidence that a crime has been committed. However, this is a prerequisite for police to seek the court's permission for a search warrant or for personal records to help their investigation. In the earliest hours after someone is reported missing, access to this crucial information can yield clues to the person's whereabouts held within their cellphone, computer, home, and more. A number of provincial jurisdictions have missing persons legislation which can serve as a model for the NWT. Will the Minister commit to bringing forward missing persons legislation in the Northwest Territories during the life of this Assembly? Thank you.
We have not explored this kind of legislation in the Northwest Territories. It will require further research and consideration as it will have far-reaching implications. However, we are open to having further discussions on this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Thebacha.
