Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, throughout this Assembly, I have done several Member statements about the RCMP and the need for improved and more accountable policing within the constituency of Thebacha, and across the NWT. Today I want to continue highlighting some of the concerns I have seen and heard about the RCMP as of late.
Mr. Speaker, because of the effects of the pandemic on mental health and the serious incident in Fort Smith in March, I am concerned that the RCMP does not offer casual replacements to ensure the community is fully served by eight members. For safety reasons and for all the reasons regarding enforcement, drugrelated problems, mental health issues, and a sense of peace in the community after such a turbulent year, from what I see the RCMP have an empire here in Yellowknife and I think it's time the commander steps up, shows leadership, and shows respect to the community of Fort Smith and ensures that the manpower is shared with the staff out of Yellowknife if needed.
There's a lot of RCMP staff here in Yellowknife but I must ensure that Fort Smith is looked after in a safe and proper way so community members can feel at peace in their community at this time. There are only four RCMP members there right now and one that is a temporary officer from another jurisdiction. They are trying very hard to serve Fort Smith, but how can only four RCMP members serve a community of 2500 day and night?
This is a very stressful time for the RCMP right now as I'm sure their workload is very high. I appreciate all the work the four RCMP members in the community are faced with, and I want to thank them wholeheartedly for their efforts to keep the community safe and hopefully we can address the staff shortage issue until the permanent staff arrives.
Mr. Speaker, I attended a leadership meeting in Fort Smith two weeks ago where the issue of RCMP staffing levels was talked about. In that meeting, I discovered that Fort Smith is experiencing a shortage of RCMP staff right now. Fort Smith is supposed to have eight RCMP officers; however, there are currently only four officers stationed there. This is very concerning from a safety and readiness standpoint in case of emergencies and for general response time by RCMP as well.
Given this information, I am questioning if the level of public safety for community members in Fort Smith is adequate in addressing all the law enforcement issues in my community. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
Mr. Speaker, it is not okay and it is unsafe that my community is facing a shortage of law enforcement personnel to protect and serve the people of Fort Smith. It is not fair that the capital has all or most of their RCMP positions filled all the time when the small communities and regional centres are left with a shortage of RCMP staff. As MLA for Thebacha, I am looking to ensure my community is properly looked after and is up to par with the capital in terms of public safety.
I will have questions for the Minister of Justice later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.
