Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Today I wish to speak on vandalism and how it is hurtful to people. The Deh Cho Drum reports that it has been a very disturbing time for a family in Fort Simpson. The grave of Marc Andre Lapierre, who died at the age if 18 in 1996, was desecrated last week. Mark Andre loved fire trucks, so a model of a red fire truck was placed under protective glass as a memorial on his grave. However, vandals damaged the fire truck beyond repair and left the site in disorder. This is a terrible thing. It causes a resurgence of grief to the family. My sympathies, Mr. Speaker, go out to the family for this unkindness done.
Mark Andre’s cousin, Yannick Lapierre, is quoted in the Deh Cho Drum as asking: “Why would they do that? What is the point of doing something like that?” Editor of the newspaper, Roxanna Thompson, repeats that question. She also questions how it is the village of Fort Simpson could be a place where this could happen. Ms. Thompson thinks residents should speak out and let everyone know that vandalism isn’t acceptable.
Hear! Hear!
Like other communities, vandalism occurs in Fort Simpson. It is usually in the form of spray painted words on signs, sidewalks and sometimes it goes as far as damage on empty buildings. Vandalism is a costly problem and can make a community look unsightly. It shows a lack of respect.
In this case, one or two people did something worse, with the desecration of a grave. The RCMP are treating this case very seriously and have asked anyone with information about the vandalism to phone the RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers. As the Deh Cho Drum said, this particular incident by vandals hurt and disturbed the entire community. I say let’s pull together so that we can, first, catch the vandals and, second, help prevent future acts of this type. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
