Mr. Speaker, in the 2009-10 financial statements, in the Minister’s opening remarks, there is something that jumps out at me which I am glad to see that they are going to be spending some $475,000 to add police officers and detachments in Fort McPherson, Fort Good Hope and Fort Liard as a way to increase patrols and stay in small communities without resident police RCMP members.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to thank the Minister of Justice for listening to the people in Tsiigehtchic in regards to finding ways of getting more police presence in their communities and also ensuring them that they do have a dedicated member who will be dedicated to work for that particular community. In light of that individual residing in Fort McPherson, Fort McPherson is only a half an hour away from Tsiigehtchic and I think this should be a way to solve that issue.
Mr. Speaker, policing is an important component of what happens in communities and gives the people some comfort knowing they were safe, secure and that the laws that we have will be enforced.
Mr. Speaker, the community of Tsiigehtchic over the years have done everything they can in regards to their powers by way of passing prohibition orders, enforcing laws by way of their bylaw officer. Yet, Mr. Speaker, that’s not enough.
Mr. Speaker, having an officer stay in the community, familiarizing themselves with the residents, meet with the community council, meet with the community organizations and working with the community to familiarize himself with the community knowing he has a…also have a commitment with the community and dedicate himself to ensure he familiarize himself with the residents.
Mr. Speaker, I, again, would like to take this time to thank the Minister, but this is not the end of it. The community of Tsiigehtchic would like to see an individual living in the community, having a police presence 24/7. Again, this is a good start and, with that, I would like to thank the Minister of Justice and maybe he can pass on some knowledge to the Minister of Health on how she can get some nursing services in Tsiigehtchic. Thank you.