Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, want to thank the Tlicho people for making a contribution to this Assembly through Mr. Lafferty here. The history of the North is filled with stories of contributions that the RCMP special constables have made to the administration of justice. In the early days, many RCMP would have died out on the land if it weren’t for the knowledge and the skills of these special constables that would accompany them on their patrols. The constables were also invaluable in providing interpreting services and helping out the RCMP officers in terms of interacting with the local aboriginal people.

The new focus on only recruiting aboriginal people as regular members does not necessarily meet the needs of the North at the community level. It is a reality that some of these new aboriginal RCMP are reluctant to return to the North and work amongst their families and friends. I cannot blame them for this. Everyone has the right to pursue their chosen career in a manner that best suits them. However, people in the small communities still deserve to have the law delivered by the people who speak their language and understand the local cultures and customs and the family relationships. The role that used to be accomplished by the special constables is not being met by hiring full-time regular aboriginal RCMP officers. We need to bring back the Special Constable Program and adapt it to the new realities of the 21st century. Local people helping the RCMP at the community level would reduce friction in some of the communities and would be a valuable resource in tandem with an effective community justice committee.

George Washington said, "The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government." Sometimes I think this government has taken that to mean that we need to build a new courthouse in Yellowknife. I think it needs to be explained to the administration of justice at all levels. Special constables would be an important step in improving the administration of justice at the community level.

Hear! Hear!

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

I will have questions for the appropriate Minister at the appropriate time.

---Applause