Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I spoke about the RCMP presence in Sachs Harbour. Mr. Speaker, I spoke about this on a couple of occasions, and to date we still haven't heard any results from the Department of Justice. I understand that in October when I raised the issue up with the Minister of Justice, he was supposed to form a committee with the RCMP and the justice to look at our communities without an RCMP presence. So I'd like to ask the Minister of Justice, can he give me an update in regards to what has been done today and what will be happening in the next couple of months? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. Honourable Minister responsible for Justice, Mr. Bell.

Return To Question 324-15(4): RCMP Presence In Sachs Harbour

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member is right; we established a joint working group between my officials -- Department of Justice -- and the RCMP to look into various options that would increase police presence in our smaller communities. There are 13 communities in the NWT without RCMP detachments and it's a concern for us. So we started to study the problem and we've used the policing strategic consultations with communities to do this work, regional level consultations. They will be coming forward with some recommendations. We have started to address some issues on a community-by-community basis. I understand in Tsiigehtchic we're working with the housing department to hopefully provide a residence for RCMP so that they might be able to stay overnight. Many of the problems that occur in our communities are not nine to five, Mr. Speaker, obviously. So we're looking to address some of those issues. I am very well aware of the concerns in Sachs. They are probably of the highest priority in the NWT. All consultations aside, the Member asked if I need a working group to recognize that there are problems here. My answer is no. We do acknowledge that there is a real concern in Sachs Harbour. It's one that I look to address immediately and as soon as there's a new public safety Minister in Ottawa, it will be the first thing that I sit down to bring to his attention. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Mr. Pokiak.

Supplementary To Question 324-15(4): RCMP Presence In Sachs Harbour

Calvin Pokiak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thanks for the information. In regard to the study on the problems that you've talked about and coming out with recommendations, how soon with that be? For your information, the RCMP do have a building in Sachs Harbour that's usable; they do have barracks there that's been shut down for a number of years, but I found out when I was down there that it can be used very easily. So when can the Minister ensure the people of Sachs that they will get some safety and protection that they require? Thank you.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 324-15(4): RCMP Presence In Sachs Harbour

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The work that's underway is looking at the frequency of patrols, it's talking with the communities about how we have longer stays in those communities, how we might implement community policing crime prevention initiatives, and one of the things we have to do is assess our assets on the ground. In Sachs, we have to ensure that those structures are still up to code, or could be brought up to code quickly. But, Mr. Speaker, it is the federal government that provides the capital dollars. We take care of 70 percent of the O and M, but we would have to get any improvements into the federal capital plan and that will take some doing and some lobbying. But I'm prepared to take that up immediately. I know that we need to look at coverage in smaller communities, but I'm very concerned about the remoteness of Sachs Harbour and the ability of us to respond quickly and ensure the safety and security of those residents. So I want to assure the Member this is of highest priority for me. I will address it with the federal Minister. I want to improve the police presence in Sachs. If we can get a detachment in Sachs and the federal government will commit those dollars, that's my first option and my first priority. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.