Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, like my colleague, the MLA for Great Slave Lake, would like to commend the RCMP on their investigation. Last night, when I was returning to the apartment, a lot of activity was taking place in the downtown area. As I listened to the 5:30 CBC news last night, it was reported that the RCMP was conducting an investigation. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the RCMP on the ongoing investigation.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I say to the RCMP officers in the Northwest Territories and in Canada, we commend you on your endeavours to have peace and tranquility throughout Canada. Thank you.

---Applause

Member’s Statement On Recognition Of RCMP Efforts In Operation Gunship

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have spoken numerous times in this House about the devastation drugs are having on our communities and families here in the Northwest Territories. As a Member of this House, I have gotten phone calls from constituents heavily addicted to crack cocaine trying desperately to get some help. They get treatment and they try to get their lives back together. However, when they get back to Yellowknife, they face their demons head on once again. Drugs seem to be everywhere they turn on every corner, and they can’t seem to get away from using the drugs.

I have heard numerous times from constituents that access to hard core drugs like crack cocaine can be easier than buying lottery tickets, Mr. Speaker. Trying to get the drugs and dealers off of our streets is something that people have been waiting patiently to see. I was very encouraged to hear the media reports yesterday of the RCMP’s Operation Gunship that targeted upper-level drug distribution networks both here in Yellowknife and in Edmonton. I would like to publicly thank the RCMP for this much needed coordinated drug crackdown.

During the last budget session, I was pleased to support the additional $1.2 million to help fund new positions for the RCMP here in the Northwest Territories. Part of that funding, Mr. Speaker, included a new search and rescue and drug dog and a handler that will be based here in Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, I will continue to support the additional resources that the RCMP need and require to carry out their work here in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, what I would like to see is a firm commitment from this government to have all of the necessary resources in place to deal effectively and to the full extent of the law with those charged with drug trafficking here in the NWT. All of the hard work by the RCMP yesterday and in the days and months ahead of us has to have an impact. Our justice system has to be ready to deal with this hard work in a fashion that will be meaningful. At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Justice. Thank you.

---Applause