Mr. Speaker, I wish to inform the House of the appointment of a new commanding officer for the RCMP of the Northwest Territories. Last Tuesday, RCMP Commissioner Inkster announced the retirement of Chief Superintendent Ed Wilson and the promotion of Superintendent Brian Watt as the new commanding officer.
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Chief Superintendent Wilson is retiring from the RCMP after 38 years of service, of which the last four and a half years were served in Yellowknife. At this time, I would like to express our appreciation and best wishes to Ed and Agnes Wilson in their retirement.
The new Chief Superintendent Brian Watt has served in the Northwest Territories for the last two and a half years of his 28 years with the RCMP and brings many positive attributes to his new position. They include a sensitivity for the peoples and communities of the Northwest Territories. Chief superintendent Watt has demonstrated a strong commitment to community-based policing and aboriginal justice initiatives.
An example of this commitment is seen in his work with the Department of Justice to start an RCMP reserve pilot program in two northern communities, which will allow local people to join the RCMP on a part-time basis to meet community policing needs.
With the challenges facing northerners in the areas of justice reform, Chief Superintendent Brian Watt brings the type of commitment and dedication which is needed in the north today and for tomorrow.
On behalf of this government and the Department of Justice, I would like to take this time to congratulate Brian Watt and wish him well in his new post.
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