Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Many residents in the Northwest Territories go to bed each night and take for granted an often overlooked but very important service: police protection. The other day, the Minister responded to comments raised by my Nunakput colleague with the possible arrangements whereby a police officer could be stationed in a small community with another peace or enforcement officer such as a wildlife officer. For years, this is exactly what the communities have been asking for: additional resources and flexible arrangements. This has been a long time coming. Now, will this Minister follow through?
Recently, as well, there were discussions concerning a pilot project in Gameti whereby two officers could be stationed there for the winter months until spring to offset the increase in drugs and alcohol from the opening up of the ice roads. This government and the RCMP recognize that there is a problem and it's only going to get worse. Without police protection, it is often the most vulnerable who are impacted, the greatest abused: women, the elderly and children.
Studies have shown that with police presence, the number of specific incidents could be less, depending on other conditions. Concerns were raised by my constituents and, as well, through pre-budget consultations in all small and remote communities with regard to presence of policing.
Last session in this great Assembly, I raised the issue of residents' safety being jeopardized due to response times and loss of policing positions. Mr. Speaker, as expressed, triple AAA is needed; adequate, accessible and accountable police services.
There is the opinion that community police funding from the federal government earmarked specifically for aboriginal people in the NWT is not all going to its intended purposes. Large portions of funding are going to central administration. Mr. Speaker, residents' safety should never be evaluated along with money. Police are often stationed in small and remote communities during special functions or circumstances such as the one in Gameti. This criteria should be considered for all communities. This growing perception of less police patrols is something this government must work at in regaining the confidence of our communities. Mahsi cho.
---Applause