Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of our term, the 17^th Assembly set a goal of an efficient and effective government.

This was clear direction, and we followed it. In June, I tabled the Department of Justice 10-Year Strategic Plan and I committed to bring forward a 5-year implementation strategy during this session. Later today I will table that document.

While the Strategic Plan outlines the Department’s vision, goals and priorities, the 5-year implementation strategy is the roadmap for how we are going to get there.

Mr. Speaker, this is a significant day for the Northwest Territories. Today, for the first time at any northern correctional facility, Commissioner Marie Wilson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is at the North Slave Correctional Centre to acknowledge residential school experiences, impacts and consequences.

Over the next several days, inmates can give individual statements to contribute to the historical records the Commission is gathering on the legacy of residential schools.

Mr. Speaker, we all have a role to play in stopping abuse from taking place in our homes. Unfortunately, family violence continues to be a significant concern.

We know violence in the homes of NWT residents is having long-term physical, social and economic impacts on family members, communities, and the territory as a whole.

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Thank you. I am honoured to be here today on behalf of Premier McLeod and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Organizers are holding over one hundred Sisters in Spirit vigils across the country today to remember the missing and murdered Aboriginal women of Canada.

This year, the vigils have become an international event with ceremonies held in South America and the United States in honour of their Indigenous women who are missing and murdered. 

YELLOWKNIFE (September 27, 2012) -- People who assist and support those affected by family violence have come together from across the Northwest Territories to receive training and information and learn from each other.

WHITEHORSE (September 18, 2012) — Territorial justice ministers Mike Nixon of Yukon, Glen Abernethy of Northwest Territories, and Daniel Shewchuk of Nunavut met today in Whitehorse to discuss justice and public safety issues of particular concern to the North.

As host, Nixon shared some of his department’s recent successes and innovations including the establishment of the Yukon Police Council, the Justice Wellness Centre, and Yukon’s integrated offender management program.

YELLOWKNIFE (August 15, 2012) – Premier Bob McLeod has announced Sylvia Haener as the new Deputy Minister for the Department of Justice. This appointment will be effective as of 5pm on August 31.

June 11, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the work the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is doing in the Northwest Territories and across Canada is a critical step in the healing process for people suffering from the abuse and trauma of residential schools. Our government is working with them to support our people and our communities.

June 8, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, later today I will table a copy of the 10-year Strategic Plan for the Department of Justice.

Our Department envisions a safe society where the rights and freedoms of residents are protected, and residents have confidence in the justice system. The plan identifies values that will guide us:

June 7, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, Corrections staff are committed to manage offenders in the least restrictive manner possible, provide opportunities for culturally relevant rehabilitation, and be leaders in progressive and holistic healing.

These extremely dedicated staff members work in conditions that are challenging and emotionally draining. They have committed to multiple years of training to make a difference in the workplace and influence the lives of the young people in their charge.