It's a new day for N.W.T. men's domestic violence reduction program

The John Howard Society of the Northwest Territoriesis taking over Yellowknife's A New Day men'shealingprogram. Louis Sebert, N.W.T. minister of justice, made the announcement today in the legislative assembly.

The government's search for a contractor to take over the men's domestic violence reduction program faced a disconcerting lack of interest from possible suitors after a request for proposals to run the program didn't get any bites.

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The program, developed by the territorial government with years of input from the Coalition Against Family Violence, helps men deal with domestic violence issues. The program is now run by the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre, but its contract expires on June 30.

Sebert said there won't be an interruption in service.

"Men will have walk-in registration at the office next door to the current program space," Sebert said. "Qualified counsellors will meet with men individually to prepare them to join weekly groups. These groups will run continuously so men can start as soon as they are ready."

Sebert expects the transition to be smooth when the John Howard Society takes over, as the mission of the society includes the prevention of crime.

Sebert said the society is already making arrangements for counsellors to meet with clients.