Mr. Speaker, I wish to update the Assembly on programs that give our Aboriginal youth a stepping stone to serving their communities in the RCMP.
Our Assembly has identified a goal of diversifying our economy, ensuring that people in each community and region have choices. The Aboriginal Community Constable Program and the Aboriginal Pre-Cadet Training Program are innovative training programs that support this goal.
The Community Constable Program continues the original pilot program with a second intake of candidates. There are two positions available for Aboriginal people 19 years or older to attend a 20-week session at the RCMP Training Academy in Regina. Each cadet will learn the skills they need to become sworn peace officers and leaders in their communities.
Each cadet is paid for the time they spend training, including a week-long trip back to their home community. Once training is complete, the constables have an additional six-month field training posting in an NWT detachment to round out their experience.
With the deadline for applications coming up on June 1st, we will have a number of candidates vying for the positions available. The training is rigorous, as the work community constables perform is demanding. Cadets learn to assist regular police officers in investigations and to be secondary support response personnel. Most importantly, they are a vital link between the community and the RCMP.
The second program is for those aged 19 to 29 who want to see if the RCMP may be right for them and to gain valuable work experience. The RCMP Aboriginal Pre-Cadet Training Program is running from May to August. This 17-week training session will appeal to those who wish to learn about careers in policing or who want to challenge themselves mentally and physically. This program enhances self-esteem and encourages cadets to become role models. Graduates are ready to further their studies, work in justice-related fields or pursue career options with the RCMP.
Through these paid training programs, I want to highlight the rewarding career opportunities available to our residents. We are always exploring opportunities with the RCMP to encourage NWT residents to consider policing-related careers.
Although it is not an official program, I would also like to highlight today the good work recently done here in Yellowknife by bringing youth in the Canadian Rangers to Yellowknife to have them work with Corporal Tammy McKenzie of “G” Division. They received firsthand experience of what it is like to be an RCMP constable, including manning check-stops.
I ask Members today to let the youth in your ridings know about these programs, and I encourage anyone who is interested in a career in policing to talk to the RCMP officers in their communities or visit the RCMP website. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
