Debates of October 21, 2005 (day 15)

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Today I will be addressing community policing concerns raised by my constituents and the residents all throughout the North. Several years ago, particularly in the 14th Assembly, the small non-tax based communities met with the special committee members to discuss this issue. All remote communities indicated that safety of residents and community policing was the highest priority. There was a case where a victim was so injured that he could not even walk to get help. Even this did not get the police to their community. That was pointed out in the final report by that committee.

Today, Mr. Speaker, these same problems still exist. The community of Nahanni Butte has lodged complaints of two incidents over the course of this summer, where the police were called and did not arrive for some 48 hours later.

Mr. Speaker, in all cases in small communities, police are never called frivolously. They were called because safety of residents and people were threatened. I recognize the enormous demands placed on our policing services in the North, and the safety of our residents is our government’s number one job. I do not believe that, when assessing any emergency policing situation in our small communities, remoteness should be a factor. I do not believe, Mr. Speaker, that cost of travel should be a factor. At the very least, attention must be given as soon as possible. Our constituents must trust that we will always receive this type of attention, and that we will always be there for them, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi cho.

---Applause