Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last week I questioned the Minister responsible for MACA on the allocation of resources to employ by-law officers. Mr. Speaker, beyond the need for by-law officers, a concern has been raised in Fort Providence with respect to policing by the RCMP. This concern stems from what the community says is an entire lack of police presence in the community. This comes at a time when the community is experiencing an increase in unlawful activities beyond the by-law infractions.
Mr. Speaker, this problem has been brought to my attention by the community representatives who are very concerned that if this situation is not addressed in a timely matter, the community will suffer. Mr. Speaker, I have confirmation that this issue has been brought to the attention of our local RCMP detachment in Fort Providence and the commanding officer of the "G" Division in Yellowknife. The response by the local RCMP is that they agree that the problem exists but say that due to limited resources, they must prioritize their responses and patrols.
Mr. Speaker, between patrolling Fort Providence, including 250 kilometres of the Mackenzie Highway system, as well as the settlement of Kakisa and being absent from the community for courses, training, court and leave, the community of Fort Providence feels that it is frequently underpoliced.
Mr. Speaker, both the community and the RCMP are in agreement that the policing problem exists and that incidents of crimes are increasing within the community. Efforts are being made to bring in additional officers when required for things such as special events, but this does not deal with the immediate, day-to-day concerns when the officers are away from the community and no officers are on duty and calls are redirected to Yellowknife.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to the lack of available officers and resources, the community at times finds that it is challenged by having to deal with cultural differences with the RCMP members, which is a real concern for an aboriginal community and for the Northwest Territories, where a majority of those persons incarcerated are of aboriginal ancestry.
Mr. Speaker, I challenge my colleagues to question what is being done to ensure that community policing is a priority for this government and the RCMP. What is being done to ensure that our communities are being policed effectively and efficiently? What is being done to ensure that a cooperative relationship exists between the communities and the RCMP? What is being done to ensure sufficient resources are being made available to communities for community policing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I will be raising questions for the Minister.