Mr. Speaker, sustainable, vibrant and safe communities is one of the goals of this Assembly. To help achieve this goal, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made it a priority for all NWT communities to have a community policing plan in place. Last year was the first year all 33 communities had dedicated
plans in place based on their own needs, resources and priorities.
These formal plans and the reporting structure were put into place several years ago. The difference the plans are making is evident. We now have communities participating in a full consultation to outline their priorities upfront. The second part of the plan requires police to provide a written report to the community leadership of their monthly results. This interaction fosters a situation where police are building trust within the community through accountability. The result is trust and respect from all people involved. This trust makes community police relationships stronger.
I want to give you an example of how community-specific priorities have worked. Every NWT community built the need to reduce drug and alcohol activity into their policing plans.
In Hay River the RCMP seized over five and a half pounds of marijuana. In addition, thousands of dollars in cash and many ounces of cocaine and crack cocaine have been taken out of the drug network. Charges were laid against 11 different individuals. We know these drugs were being transported across our border, as the majority of people charged did not live in our territory.
These results come by having people in the community working with their RCMP members. Something as simple as telling the police when an underage drinking party is underway can make a significant change in the amount of illegal drugs available in a community.
Last October a search at a home in Behchoko revealed a large quantity of drugs, over $7,000 in cash, and illegal liquor that was destined for smaller communities. This seizure is a step in the right direction to ensure public safety and reduce the negative effects of intoxication and addictions.
Check-stops by Tulita RCMP resulted in several seizures of liquor that would have been brought into the community, with total seizures for December amounting to a street value of over $10,000. Winter road check-stops will be continuing to keep the community safe.
For two weeks in December, Mr. Speaker, the Fort Good Hope detachment conducted several check-stops on the winter road that serves several communities. Over 80 bottles of liquor, valued over $7,000, were seized. The RCMP reported the community had a peaceful time with no calls to the RCMP for assistance for domestic violence, break and enters or other incidents, many of which we know are fueled by alcohol. We know continuing collaborative work between the RCMP and communities ensures the interception of illegal alcohol.
From these community leaders’ reports I spoke of earlier, Mr. Speaker, there is a section on Notable
Occurrences for the Month. In the Colville Lake report for December, it was noted that the community advised RCMP a person wanted on a Canada-wide warrant was in Colville Lake for the holidays. This individual was subsequently arrested and returned to jail.
The department is working with the RCMP and prosecutors to strengthen prosecution of Liquor Act offences through continued training of officers. We are continuing our educational and awareness efforts through the Not Us! program. I would be remiss not to mention the support we provide to community justice committees and victims services workers to allow them to continue their critical work in each community and with the RCMP members.
Mr. Speaker, as well as communities becoming involved with the RCMP, the commanding officer instructs members coming into a community for the first time on the necessity of engaging with residents through a local orientation program. This will assist members in understanding the cultural differences in their new home. A key component includes members meeting with both elders and youth in social situations. Although we can teach cross-cultural awareness in classrooms, nothing is as effective as firsthand experience.
I know all Members here will support their communities in their efforts to make a difference. Encourage people to speak up and work with the police to ensure priorities and the laws of our land are upheld. The results show it works. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.