Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in follow-up to my Member's statement, I have a few questions for the Minister of Justice. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister: what was the outcome of the Minister's engagement with the RCMP on the matter of overnight RCMP presence in Tsiigehtchic during break-up and freeze-up? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Minister of Justice.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a result of the questions asked by the Member opposite in May, we did have correspondence from the RCMP, and I can advise the Member opposite that during break-up this year there were instances where RCMP members responded to immediate needs in the community of Tsiigehtchic and travelled quickly there by helicopter or boat. They were able to get there fairly expeditiously when required. Thank you.
The Minister previously reported on overnight RCMP patrols to Tsiigehtchic between January and March 31st. Can the Minister provide the most recent data?
I am very pleased to provide that update. Since January 1st, the RCMP members have spent 15 nights in the community, including four nights for the Tsiigehtchic Jamboree in March, participation in providing support for the Arctic Red River youth canoe trip in June, and participation in August with Canoe Days. I understand that, as of September 13th, the RCMP has conducted 15 overnight patrols and 36 day patrols to the community; compared, of course, to no overnight patrols in 2016, when they did not have a residence to stay in.
On average, how long does it usually take the RCMP to reach Tsiigehtchic compared to travel time during freeze-up and break-up?
I suppose it depends on the immediacy of the event that requires the police to go to the community. Obviously, if there was a helicopter available, they could get there very quickly. I understand sometimes, during freeze-up, members can access the community over a secondary ice road over the Arctic Red River. Clearly, it depends on the nature of the information that requires the RCMP to attend at the community. I am certain that they are able to get there in an expeditious way, if necessary, by helicopter.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we prepare for freeze-up, will the Minister ensure that he works with "G" Division to see if it is possible that we have an officer this fall to stay in the community at the same time as we have the nurse there? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
While I will certainly bring that concern to "G" Division, I do not think I can guarantee that an officer would be able to remain in the community for that period of time. Thank you.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.
