Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since the late 1960s, the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Development has provided financial support to assist in the development of policing arrangements for Indian communities. It has entered into a variety of arrangements with band councils in most provinces for the provision of policing services.

Aboriginal communities, not unlike other segments of Canadian society, have experienced a rapid growth in crime. Coupled with this situation are the concerns raised by Indian leaders about the adequacy of policing services and their ability to deal with the unique needs of aboriginal communities.

Currently, there are approximately 74 communities covered by the First Nations Policy. Not one of those communities are in the north. Mr. Speaker, the policy was developed in 1991. Our government has only made initial inquiries about the options available under this program. The benefits of First Nation community police forces are too significant to pass over.

This is an opportunity for each community to determine how and by whom they will be policed. More importantly, it is an opportunity to ensure that policing will be sensitive to culture and beliefs. It is time for this government to recognize that the aboriginal policing and justice administration is of significant importance to the Dene and Inuit of the Northwest Territories.

It is time for this government to respond to the needs and desires for aboriginal policing in this territory and begin to walk down the path to developing the programs appropriate to that aspiration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.