Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. On Monday, October 27, 2014, the Minister of Justice said, in a CBC interview, that the Gameti and Wrigley RCMP detachments are postponed indefinitely. Seven years ago there was a commitment that the GNWT would build new detachments in those communities. As MLA for Nahendeh and the community of Wrigley, this is shocking news for me and my constituents.
This session we are deliberating and debating the capital plan for the GNWT. I believe that at the very least these two detachments be included in our 20-year capital needs assessment plan. I can’t see how this could be overlooked, especially when the needs are great and we made the business case for the establishment of the RCMP detachment. Even residents in our small communities deserve the full attention of public safety. Statistically, these two communities get plagued by crime. The early lobbying efforts did pay off. We did get dedicated RCMP officers in the regional centres to make regular and almost weekly visits. Residents were awaiting the full-time service.
Also in Wrigley, I made the case that with the return of the RCMP officers and detachment to Wrigley, the certainty of full-time nursing was guaranteed.
I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
