Debates of October 20, 2006 (day 12)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (English not provided) Today I rise in the House to address the need for aboriginal bylaw or community officers in the community of Behchoko. Mr. Speaker, in 2004, the Department of Justice, in partnership with the federal government, had a two-year agreement in which 1.24 was given to the NWT as part of the Government of Canada/First Nation policing funding.

In Behchoko, we had two officers who were successful in training through this initiative in partnership with our government and the RCMP. These officers maintain a healthy relationship with our community members and reduce disturbance, which in turn created a better living environment for all the people of Behchoko. Since this funding was terminated, the officers have moved into other careers. Community members have expressed over and over that overriding crime rates, disturbances within the community and a lack of police to address these issues, Mr. Speaker.

The heavy RCMP workload is impacting on the service levels in our communities. Employing people from the community to enforce local laws will be ensuring a proactive role in community policing. An aboriginal community officer will change the way policing is thought of within the community of Behchoko. By increasing the number of aboriginal members and working with the RCMP, this will reflect and respond to the needs of our community.

Mr. Speaker, the people of the community of Behchoko want to work with the Department of Justice, Municipal and Community Affairs and the RCMP to start a community bylaw officer program that was established before.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, aboriginal community officers are much needed in the community of Behchoko. Together, with the support of the GNWT, in partnership with the RCMP, the Behchoko community government can work towards a safe and peaceful community. Mahsi.

---Applause