Debates of October 18, 2006 (day 10)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak on an issue that affects the NWT and recently has become a major concern in Inuvik. That issue, Mr. Speaker, is the dramatic increase in crimes committed by youth. During a meeting in Inuvik we heard many cases of youth committing criminal offences in the community. Crimes range from assaults to arson to underage drinking, and a huge increase in property crimes, including break and enter and thefts. Last year alone, Mr. Speaker, in Inuvik there was 771 property crimes. Out of those reported, 617, or 80 percent, were committed by youth. Unless we can do something about this, Mr. Speaker, sadly these numbers are going to increase.

During a recent meeting in Inuvik, concerned members of the communities, we tried to come up with some solutions for the increase in youth crime. None of the parents whose children are a lot of the major offenders of these crimes were present. That, Mr. Speaker, is part of the problem. Some parents don’t care, so why should the youth?

Many residents, Mr. Speaker, work hard for what they own and should not have to worry about trying to always protect it and worry about if it’s going to be there in the morning. There seems to be absolutely no consequences for crimes committed by youth. No one seems to be held accountable, and that’s getting to be a favourite word of mine. Citizens are becoming frustrated, and I’m sure the police and the courts are frustrated that we have to constantly release repeat offenders only to offend again.

Mr. Speaker, we as a government have a duty to protect hard-working, taxpaying citizens. I will have questions for the Minister of Justice, Mr. Bell, at the appropriate time. Thank you.

---Applause