Debates of June 1, 2006 (day 3)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday my colleague, the honourable Kevin Menicoche, spoke about the need for police services in his riding. I, too, continue to share his concern about the need to protect residents who don’t have full-time police services. Mr. Speaker, on numerous occasions I have raised this concern; in particular on the situation in Sachs Harbour.

Sachs Harbour residents have raised this issue with me since I started to represent them in this House. Mr. Speaker, the response today from the Department of Justice continues to be that we are looking at alternatives to address protective services in communities without police services. I ask this Assembly once again, how would you feel if you don’t have full-time protective services in your community? How would you feel safe and secure?

On a recent visit to Sachs Harbour, I was informed the superintendent of the RCMP met with the mayor and council to address the need for full-time police services. The RCMP continues to look for alternatives to address the need for protective services in communities without police presence. When will this service be found? Will it be after there is a tragic incident? Maybe.

Mr. Speaker, all residents of the Northwest Territories need to feel safe and secure. In the March session I raised this issue and I will continue to pursue this important issue on behalf of the Sachs Harbour residents and for all the communities without a police presence.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Justice at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause