Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The crime rate in the Northwest Territories is eight times higher than the national average. The rate of violent crime in our jurisdiction is the second highest in the country. That’s not all, Mr. Speaker. Bullying, belittling and name calling are commonplace in our communities.
The situation is compounded by a familiar list of social factors: alcoholism and drug abuse, poverty, low educational attainment and the multigenerational effects of residential schools.
I believe life in our small communities would really improve if we had more homegrown police officers. We should be on the lookout for bright and responsible young people who want to serve in law enforcement. The RCMP has a new program called the Aboriginal Pre-Cadet Training Program. It’s part of the RCMP’s national strategy to recruit Aboriginal people who are interested in law enforcement. Students take a three-week training course focused on collaborative problem solving, law enforcement techniques, cultural diversity and physical fitness. After that they are posted for eight weeks at the RCMP detachments in or near their home communities. For many of these young people the program is a life-altering experience.
Aside from ensuring that young people participate in the RCMP’s Aboriginal Pre-Cadet Training Program, the Department of Justice could develop its own version of this program. What I have in mind are community-based policing opportunities for young people, mentored not only by experienced police officers but also by caring and strong community elders.
To tackle the culture of crime and bullying in the NWT, we need to be thinking outside the box. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.