Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Problems of drugs, crime and violence are a concern to residents across this country. Residents of the NWT, sadly, are not immune to these problems. Earlier this summer I heard from a number of constituents in a neighbourhood about increasing drug dealing and problems related to this activity, particularly crack and cocaine in Yellowknife. We know that these reports extend also from our streets, our neighbourhoods and even, most disturbingly, Mr. Speaker, from our schools. More and more citizens though are saying that they will not put up with drugs on our streets and are taking action to make this a reality. Individual citizens, community organizations, the City of Yellowknife and the RCMP, can and are working together to put a serious counter-attack on drugs and violence.

Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago I was pleased to have the opportunity, along with other Yellowknife MLAs, to meet with the new officer in charge of the Yellowknife RCMP detachment, Inspector Roch Fortin. I saw there a new level of commitment and a new vision for policing in this city. They are adopting some new approaches; they are more visible and active on the streets and in the community. How are they doing this? They’re taking new approaches; for instance, to administration through greater cooperation between our own Justice employees and their own RCMP officers. We’re seeing new and better technology in the form of updated computer systems that are also assisting the fight against crime, and the RCMP and GNWT Victim Services Program will be enhancing their combined services to help the individuals and families who fall victim to the actions of criminals.

Mr. Speaker, I commend Inspector Fortin and Yellowknife Mayor Gordon Van Tighem for establishing a Yellowknife area Police Advisory Committee and the steps they’re taking to make Yellowknife a safer and healthier place to live. This committee is set up to assist the RCMP in recognizing community concerns and priorities. It’s another avenue for the community to have input into policing services.

There’s more, Mr. Speaker. Apartment and property owners are joining forces to make their facilities more peaceful and crime and violence-free, as evidenced by Midwest Property Management joining together with the police in a crime-free multi-housing project.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Braden.

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Many community organizations are working together to deal with family violence and drug issues. The Crack Busters program has the Tree of Peace and Salvation Army behind it. We have the Citizens on Patrol. We have the Community Wellness Coalition. Mr. Speaker, the message here is that there are community solutions to community problems if citizens take action, like constituents calling the RCMP. There are frontline service organizations, and I would certainly say there are MLAs to help get action. The message is we do not have to and we will not put up with drugs and violence in our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause