Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform Members of the transfer of command of "G" Division. Assistant Commissioner Bill Sweeney is leaving the North for new challenges in Alberta as commanding officer of "K" Division, and Chief Superintendent Summerfield is joining us from Nova Scotia.
The relationship between the Government of the Northwest Territories and "G" Division is positive and Assistant Commissioner Sweeney can take a good part of the credit for that. I know that he and his family have a lot of affection for the North and will be keeping in touch.
Mr. Speaker, the new commanding officer of "G" Division, Chief Superintendent Summerfield, is no stranger to the North. He is taking up command of a division where he was once a serving officer. He also brings to this position extensive experience and an impressive record.
Chief Superintendent Summerfield has a varied operational, administrative and management background. His duties prior to receiving his commission in 1996 included general police duties, highway patrol, musical ride, instructional duties, plain clothes and detachment commander duties. He served in Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.
In 1996, he transferred to Halifax where he assumed responsibility for the aboriginal and diversity management programs for the Province of Nova Scotia. He then assumed command of the Cole Harbour detachment. In 1999, he was dispatched to serve with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo as the chief of training for the United Nations Civilian Police.
On his return to Canada he was seconded to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans as a liaison officer for the RCMP. Later he was promoted to the rank of superintendent and most recently served "H" Division as the support services officer in Nova Scotia.
Chief Superintendent Summerfield is a member of the Royal United Services Institute of Nova Scotia, the International Association of Police Officers, the Royal Canadian Legion and the Canadian Airborne Association. He has been awarded the United Nations medals for services in Cyprus and Kosovo, as well as the RCMP long service medal. Chief Superintendent Summerfield is married to Julene and they have four children.
Mr. Speaker, Chief Superintendent Summerfield has been briefed on the issues that face both the RCMP and the Government of the NWT. I look forward to working with him on these issues and exploring exciting and challenging new directions in justice and policing, including restorative justice, First Nations participation in policing, community constables and new relations between the RCMP and the communities they serve. I know that the chief superintendent, like his predecessor, understands the importance of these new directions and shares my confidence that we will make progress together.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank Assistant Commissioner Sweeney for his contributions to the North and wish him and his family good luck in Alberta. I would also like to welcome Chief Superintendent Summerfield back to the NWT. Mahsi.
-- Applause