Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. In small communities like Lutselk’e and Fort Resolution there is a unique opportunity for RCMP members to get involved in the community and have a lasting, positive impact on residents, particularly the youth. I have questions for the Minister of Justice on this. Can the Minister advise me if the RCMP members have the option to remain in the community longer than the standard two-year posting?
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Minister responsible for Justice, Mr. Lafferty.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. It is possible for a posting to be extended within the RCMP “G” Division, but there are certain factors taken into consideration. Whether it be the needs of the community, the needs of the force overall in the particular community and the overall force, and also the timing of the request. They have to give advance notice if there’s going to be a staffing plan for “G” Division and it is done well in advance. But it is possible for an extension at the community level. Mahsi.
Mr. Speaker, for the benefit of both the Member and the community, will the Minister discuss the possibility of having RCMP officers complete community orientation prior to taking a posting in that community? Thank you.
Yes, that is part of the discussion that we’ve continuously had with the RCMP “G” Division and also the commanding officer. I think it’s important to realize the cultural aspect of it and the size of the community. Orientation to the community plays a big factor. So, Mr. Speaker, this has been on the table with our meeting with “G” Division and then we will continue to discuss that, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.
Mr. Speaker, it is common for new graduate officers to be posted in the smaller communities. Would the Minister discuss with the RCMP a proposal that sees these new recruits placed with veteran members? For example, somebody that may have 10-plus years or so instead of two new recruits into a community. Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, this has been brought forward at the national table, as well, where we had an incident in Hay River, a bad incident, and also a small community in Nunavut. So this has been brought forward and the discussion has been that we need those officers, new recruits, with a mentor that may have five to 10 years’ experience. So those are the discussions that we’ve had with the RCMP “G” Division, the importance and the relevance of it. So, yes, this is clearly a priority for us that we continue to recommend to the RCMP “G” Division. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Your final supplementary, Mr. Beaulieu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister advise me of his findings from those discussions with the RCMP so that I can keep my communities informed? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Mr. Lafferty.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, indeed, I will advise the Member of our progress to date on this particular piece of work that’s important to all communities. So I will keep the Members informed of our progress to date on my meetings with the new commanding officer that’s coming on stream February 23rd, and we will definitely discuss this going forward. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.
