Debates of October 14, 2005 (day 10)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to acknowledge the work of the RCMP in Project Gunship, a major sweep in the city of Yellowknife and Edmonton yesterday, Mr. Speaker. It was quite by coincidence that while we were having a discussion in the House yesterday afternoon about community policing, this major exercise, which I understand involves some 50 officers, was unfolding. The information that has been made public so far is that we have seen 29 arrests here in Yellowknife and two in Edmonton. Substantial quantities of cash, drugs and handguns have been seized.

Mr. Speaker, we are constantly reminded of, and reflecting on, the impact of drugs on the safety and the security of our communities and our neighbourhoods. At this time, it is very early in the process. We need to be mindful, of course, of the judicial and the justice processes that have to unfold from now. But citizens and businesses, I think, are breathing a bit easier today knowing that a major impact has been made on the supply of drugs here in Yellowknife, and consequently to other communities in the Northwest Territories.

We need to stay vigilant, Mr. Speaker. We know that the impact of drugs and crime, organized or otherwise, is a fact of life in our society. Exercises like this will make a difference, and we are very grateful to the efforts of the RCMP and other law enforcement agencies for the difference they are making. But we also know, Mr. Speaker, that every citizen also has a responsibility to stay vigilant, to stay involved and to do everything they can to ensure the continued security of our communities, their safety and protection from the impacts of drugs, crime and violence. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause