Some members of the committee have heard good things from their constituents on the success of the Community Constable Program but there are concerns that some communities cannot reasonably access the program. If a community does not receive adequate funding from MACA to fund a by-law officer position, this program is essentially useless to that community.
In addition to providing valuable assistance to RCMP officers in some of our smaller communities, this program serves as an important training step for aboriginal people seeking a possible career in law enforcement as RCMP officers. Members are concerned that the Department of Justice's goal of developing a representative police force is negatively impacted by funding deficiencies from MACA to the communities.
The committee strongly encourages the department to continue, and if possible, expand the program. With the federal funding for this program expiring at the end of the 2000-2001 fiscal year, it is imperative that the department works with the solicitor general to maintain and augment the program.