Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, on May 25th, the Minister of Justice committed to following up with the RCMP regarding the community of Tsiigehtchic’s request for sustained overnight RCMP presence during spring break-up and fall freeze-up. This request was not made idly, Mr. Speaker, and it is not unreasonable. In fact, it is consistent with the service standards of other GNWT departments. For instance, the Department of Health and Social Services makes sure that a nurse is present in the community during these times. This means that, if a nurse is needed, the nurse is there, Mr. Speaker.

In contrast, if RCMP officers are needed during break-up or freeze-up, when the community is particularly isolated, the people of Tsiigehtchic are left in the lurch. They are provided with substandard service and denied the access to justice that other Northerners regularly receive.

What happens when the RCMP cannot get there, Mr. Speaker? What happens when something goes wrong? Evidence could be damaged or destroyed. Far more importantly, people could get hurt. I understand the limits of the territorial resources and the limits of territorial authority. I am not asking for year-round resident RCMP services, and I know that, for good reason, the Minister of Justice cannot direct RCMP resources. Instead, I am asking the Minister to join me in advocating for the people of Tsiigehtchic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions later today.