Mr. Speaker, over the last few years the number of violent and nonviolent offences all appear to be on the rise throughout the NWT. Although crime impacts everyone, the stigma once attached to it is gone. It has become part of our disposable society and is all too common and all too routine.
Mr. Speaker, as with other Northern communities, Hay River is not isolated from increasing crime. Our community has had, and continues to have, our fair share of crime and quite frankly residents are frustrated that current enforcement practices do not appear to be effective or working. It is now reaching a boiling point where residents are considering taking steps to provide their own form of justice. Neighbourhood watch groups are having to form just to protect their homes and property. Homeowners and businesses are installing cameras and security systems to monitor not only visitors but intruders as well.
Mr. Speaker, the residents of Hay River need to feel safe when walking down the street, they need to feel safe in their homes, and they need to know their property and businesses are protected. They want justice if their rights are violated. Residents are losing faith in our justice system and policing services. They want answers on what is wrong with the system and how do we fix it and when will we fix it.
Mr. Speaker, at one time, rightfully or wrongly, correctional centres in the North were full. Now we see inmate numbers have substantially decreased in the North Slave Correctional Facility while Hay River and Fort Smith facilities are in the single digits and at times have no inmates. What is causing this decrease and is it the way of the future?
Mr. Speaker, the fact is that crimes continue to be committed, with fewer perpetrators appearing to be charged, sentenced, incarcerated or rehabilitated. We know people are innocent until proven guilty. We know that police and prosecutors have the daunting task of proving a case. We know accused persons have rights. We know the system is inefficient and slow. And, we know there are often delays resulting in an everincreasing backlog of matters before the courts. If we know all this, why, or what are we doing to change the system to where it is effective, efficient, timely, and where justice is served?
Mr. Speaker, residents not committing crimes also want protection, and we need to ensure that protection is in place and effective. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Thebacha.
