Debates of June 1, 2006 (day 3)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today I spoke about Sachs Harbour again because of RCMP. Another question I mentioned was discussions going on for some time now. So I would like to ask the Minister of Justice what has been happening since March session? Has he talked with the RCMP and have they come up with a plan to address RCMP presence in communities without police services? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. The honourable Minister responsible for Justice, Mr. Bell.

Return To Question 26-15(5): Permanent Policing Services Needed For Sachs Harbour

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I have, and I appreciate the support of the Member. I think Members know that I have written to the Minister of Public Safety, Stockwell Day, asked and pleaded with his folks to help us put some new detachments into some of the communities that don’t have them; Sachs, obviously, Gameti, Wrigley, Mr. Speaker. I then also sat down and had the time to brief his chief-of-staff on another trip, sat down with Assistant Commissioner Bill Sweeney, Chief Superintendent Pat McCloskey and we are making progress, Mr. Speaker. We are looking and the RCMP has identified Sachs Harbour as a priority. They’ve been into the community on May 16th to assess the assets. Unfortunately we’ve determined that we need a new building there. We can’t renovate the existing one, it wouldn’t make code, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t do this. We think that by summer of 2008 we could have a new building on the ground. So now my challenge will be to work with this House and my colleagues to find the operational money to make that a reality. But I appreciate all of the efforts and I think we’re almost there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Supplementary To Question 26-15(5): Permanent Policing Services Needed For Sachs Harbour

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d just like to ask the Minister, 2008 is not very far away, but the people have been talking about that for two or three years now, even maybe further, Mr. Speaker. So I appreciate the 2008 possibility, but can the Minister provide me with a copy of the inspection report that may be conducted since March? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 26-15(5): Permanent Policing Services Needed For Sachs Harbour

Mr. Speaker, I’ll certainly endeavour to do that and I’ll see what the RCMP has. New assets on the ground by 2008, we are striving for that, Mr. Speaker, that doesn’t mean that we couldn’t have an RCMP presence, permanent presence in the community earlier than that, potentially next summer. We’ll have to see. Accommodations we think we can deal with. I appreciate the Member’s help in that regard. So it really is a matter of sitting down now through our business planning process, talking to committees, talking to my Cabinet colleagues, talking about what it would cost to have that presence on the ground there. But it’s an absolute top priority for my department and I appreciate the patience and the support of the people in Sachs Harbour. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.