Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Justice. Mr. Speaker, my first question about the recent protocol was mentioned. What community policing protocols are in place now across Northwest Territories to help achieve mutual respect between the RCMP and communities and prevent conflicts and respond effectively to crisis? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Minister of Justice.
Yes, Mr. Speaker. I think we were all encouraged to hear about the protocol referred to by the Member opposite between the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the RCMP. I can advise that in 2013 there was an agreement signed between the RCMP and the Dene Nation; a public safety protocol was signed. So hopefully these two types of protocols and agreements can be a template for other organizations and regions. Thank you.
Given the tenure of the RCMP members in our small communities, how often will crisis awareness training take place and how will it be fit into officers' workloads in small communities and remote detachments?
I can advise that all RCMP cadets receive problem-solving training based at depot and where cultural awareness is woven in with concept of human rights, harassment, discrimination, ethics, and bias-free policing and crisis management. Cultural awareness training comprises of 66 hours of depot training curriculum, of which 17 hours is dedicated to Aboriginal-specific training, and I can advise also that members transferred to G Division must complete a mandatory six-hour Aboriginal awareness online course through the RCMP's internal education system. So hopefully officers are well equipped to deal with cultural and crisis issues in our small communities.
I appreciate the response. Mr. Speaker, my final question to the Minister is: how are the provisions of the protocol different from what was currently in place in the Beaufort Delta?
All communities do have, of course, policing priorities and action plans with the RCMP; however, specifically dealing with the protocol, the protocol establishes in writing a trusting and reciprocal relationship between the IRC and the RCMP. These relationships of course already exist; however, the signing of the agreement helps to support the relationships that currently exist and hopefully build on them.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Hay River North.
