Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Justice. Last week in this House, I raised the issue of the RCMP cutting one staff position at the Fort Simpson detachment. Since then, new information has been brought to my attention that has some bearing on the situation.
For several years up until now, the Fort Simpson RCMP detachment had been consistently manned by seven police officers. However, during the years 2001-02 and 2002-03, the RCMP received special funding from the Treasury Board to add an extra staff member. This was done in recognition of the fact that federal park wardens had lost their powers to act as peace officers. Some 10 extra police officers were hired across the country. Unfortunately, the RCMP did not add an extra member at the Fort Simpson detachment as required. Mr. Speaker, my question for the Minister is will he find out if the RCMP chief chose to cut a position at the Fort Simpson detachment at the time they received special funding from the Treasury Board? Mahsi.