Thank you. Mr. Speaker, it is a simple truth to say that we all want safer communities and we all have a role to play in achieving this. The RCMP have a significant role which creates high expectations. We expect the RCMP will respond to our calls for help. We expect them to take action when we are victimized by crime. We expect them to get involved in programs that reduce crime.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has a vision for the future of policing in the NWT. It is one that includes improved access to police services and better coordination of restorative justice activities between the police and communities.

To achieve this vision requires a solid partnership between communities, the government and the RCMP. I believe that the Department of Justice has always had a positive relationship with the RCMP. I also believe that we are building good relationships with communities through our support for local justice activities. However, I do believe that we can do more to deal with the many policing issues facing us.

Mr. Speaker, officials from the department are working on a plan to deal with these issues and enhance the law enforcement capabilities of our communities. As part of this plan, we are examining ways to improve safety on the highways and to keep detachments in communities like Holman, Wha Ti and Paulatuk that only have one officer. We are also considering ways to improve the law enforcement capability of communities that do not currently have resident RCMP officers. As part of this process, we are looking closely at the needs of all communities. In the interim, the RCMP has assured us that they will increase the number and duration of their patrols to these communities.

Mr. Speaker, recently there have been reports that the Yellowknife detachment of the RCMP was not able to meet certain needs of the citizens of Yellowknife. In response to this report, a meeting was held last Friday between a senior official from the Department of Justice and the commanding officer of the RCMP "G" Division. I can report that this meeting was very positive. People will be pleased to hear that as a result of this meeting, there will be no immediate changes to the level of

policing provided in Yellowknife. This includes continuing to operate the DARE program.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is a strong supporter of DARE, which is the RCMP's Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program. This program is designed to give fifth and sixth grade students the skills they will need to help them stay away from cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. It also helps children deal with and avoid violence. This program is an excellent example of how police can work to reduce criminal behaviour before it starts. There is also a plan to bring this program to Hay River in the next few months.

While this addresses immediate concerns in Yellowknife, there remains a need to examine the resources dedicated to policing in all communities in the Northwest Territories. The Department of Justice will dedicate the necessary time and resources to come forward with a plan to deal with the many policing issues facing us. I expect to have this plan ready for Cabinet this June.

Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the residents of the Northwest Territories that we will continue to work closely with the RCMP and with communities to make the Northwest Territories a safer place to live and work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause