Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Justice. Has the Minister met with the RCMP to discuss the police response to the woman who was taken to the cells after being sexually assaulted? Mahsi.
Masi. Minister of Justice.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can advise that, several weeks ago, the Minister responsible for the Status of Women and I had met with the commanding officer and shared our concerns about these matters with him. I believe he shared our concerns.
I'm glad to hear that meeting happened. Can you tell me whether there was any commitment to change on the part of the RCMP and how they handled women in this situation?
Yes. The Member opposite referenced the RCMP report which came out in December 2017, which advocated change on both a national level. I understand that the RCMP has increased training specific to sexual assault investigations, both locally and nationally.
Mr. Speaker, in order to encourage women to report sexual assault, the Family Violence Shelter in Whitehorse provides for third-party reporting. Kaushee's Place has staff trained to take statements from women about what happened to them and to collect medical evidence. Is the Minister familiar with third-party reporting of sexual assault in Whitehorse, and is he interested in having it here?
[Microphone turned off] …aware of the specific program in Whitehorse, but I do know that the RCMP will continue to explore alternate options for victims to report sexual assault, such as third party reporting.
I would like to remind Members to wait before you speak. The light usually goes on, and then you can speak after. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, according to Article 6 of the Territorial Police Agreement, the Minister will set priorities, objectives, and goals for the police. Will the Minister commit to developing a more robust relationship with women, with tools such as third-party reporting with the police rather than just leaving it up to them? Mahsi.
I know that regular members are completing a consent law on common sexual assault myths course that was specifically set up to address issues identified in the RCMP Sexual Assault Review and Victim Support Action Plan. Regular members will be required to have completed this course by the end of the fiscal year.
The police are moving ahead as a result of the report that was prepared, that came out in December 2017, but I will continue to explore with the RCMP the possibilities of third-party reporting. Thank you.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.
