Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think we'd be willing to sit down and discuss a wide range of options and hopefully this work this committee is undertaking will do that. But we don't have our own police act and we fall under the RCMP Act federally. I would just say there are some technical challenges and impediments for us to be able to duplicate a police force specifically in small communities. Obviously, there are economies of scale; it's difficult to set up the legislation, the legislative framework and a separate police force. Not to say that it can't be done, but there would be some hurdles and I'd certainly want to sit down and talk to Members about what some potential solutions are. For starters, I can say we're absolutely committed to improving the service delivery in our smaller communities and recognize we need to get police officers on the ground more frequently. We need to improve the level of service in our communities. So as a starting point, that's the approach we are taking. If there are other models and other solutions, that's something that I could talk to Members about and would certainly bring forward to the RCMP if we could find a way that they would be viable. Again, there are some technical hurdles, but I'd certainly be prepared to sit down and discuss what those might be with Members. I don't think we're closing any doors here, Mr. Chairman, and we are looking for a flexible approach and recognize how important it is. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Brendan Bell on Item 16: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on February 21st, 2006. See this statement in context.
Item 16: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 16: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 20th, 2006
Page 1200
See context to find out what was said next.