Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And the Department of Justice has gone out to communities to consult on issues. For my policing priorities, I actually write to leadership across the territory and ask what I should include in those policing priorities. Ultimately I'll say the solution to this problem is a public health solution. As long as there's a demand for drugs, there's going to be drugs. There's no two ways about it. It's been borne out around the world and over the ages. So what we need is for -- what we need is healthy communities. That's really the ultimate solution. And so in my role as the Minister of Justice, we are looking at how we can better integrate health and the law enforcement to try and direct people where they need to go. We're looking at integrating services so that those people who need assistance have an easier time getting assistance and we have a -- we're more effective at delivering assistance. I'm not going to speak to the health file. I know my Minister of health is capable of that. But we are taking a whole-of-government approach to addressing this issue. I recognize the seriousness of the drug issue in the Northwest Territories. We've added RCMP officers every year since I've been Minister. We've just approved a new crime reduction unit that is being staffed right now and I hope to see going operational soon. We have the new emergency response team, Mr. Speaker. A lot of work is happening in this area. Is it going to be enough? If we all work together - the government, the communities, and residents, then I think it will be but it's going to take a lot of effort. And we're putting that effort in and hopefully we're going to see the results. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
R.J. Simpson on Question 330-20(1): Illicit Drug Trade
In the Legislative Assembly on October 21st, 2024. See this statement in context.
Question 330-20(1): Illicit Drug Trade
Oral Questions
October 21st, 2024
See context to find out what was said next.