Debates of October 12, 2005 (day 8)

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of Justice with respect to my Member’s statement on search and rescue efforts throughout the summer in Nahendeh, and search and rescue in general. We pretty well had to reinvent the wheel when it came to organizing search and rescue efforts this summer, Mr. Minister. Is the Minister aware of any protocols governing search and rescue efforts in the NWT? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me start by offering my condolences to the Hardisty and Horesay families. I know that this has been a very difficult time for the community. I’d also say that we do appreciate the efforts of the LKFN and the entire community in the search effort. Public concern was raised about how it was conducted and, as the Member knows, there’s now a full review being conducted of that work to make sure that it was done properly. If not, recommendations will flow from that that would speak to the protocols, but it’s too early for me to know exactly what the outcomes will be, but I do anticipate getting that in early November, I believe. Certainly that will be shared with the families. As well, it was a public complaint so there will be an accounting of this, and I would like to sit down and better work through and understand these protocols for search and rescue, because I think we can all see how vital it is to us to have these protocols firmly established, especially when we’re dealing with our smaller and more remote communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 95-15(4): Search And Rescue Protocols In The NWT

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. What had to happen this summer is that we actually had to get political and force the authorities to bring in cadaver dogs, get search and rescue people out there, and one of the failures was that we were unable to activate the Canadian Rangers, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps the Minister can tell this House what procedure is used to activate the Canadian Rangers to help us in our search and rescue efforts. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 95-15(4): Search And Rescue Protocols In The NWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll admit that I don’t know exactly when the RCMP make the determination or for which cases they make the determination to call in the services of the Rangers. I’ll endeavour to find out, and I can report back to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 95-15(4): Search And Rescue Protocols In The NWT

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Do we have an established protocol in our government with respect to search and rescue, if the Minister can answer that question, Mr. Speaker?

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 95-15(4): Search And Rescue Protocols In The NWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know that the RCMP have protocols. I know that the Municipal and Community Affairs department does have some disaster assistance. How those roles dovetail I’m not exactly clear, but I will get back to the Member and report back. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Final supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 95-15(4): Search And Rescue Protocols In The NWT

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So I take it from this discussion that the government will be looking at a comprehensive search and rescue protocol and approach for all regions. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 95-15(4): Search And Rescue Protocols In The NWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, we already have the RCMP that provide that service, and I think the first thing for me to do is to determine exactly what the protocols are that are currently in existence, and find out if they’re meeting the needs of our communities. I will speak to the RCMP, report back to the Member, and then I think we can have a discussion around whether or not those are adequate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.