Canada's New Government and the Government of Alberta Invest $2.7M to make Whitefish Lake First Nation (Goodfish Lake) safer

GOODFISH LAKE, September 28, 2007 — Today, Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville - Wainwright, on behalf of the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, together with Kimberly Armstrong, Executive Director, Policing and Community Safety, on behalf of the Honourable Fred Lindsay, Alberta Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security, announced a joint investment of $2.7 million for community policing for the Whitefish Lake First Nation (Goodfish Lake) in Alberta.

Mr. Benoit joined Ms. Armstrong and community leaders for the official signing ceremony of the Community Tripartite Agreement (CTA).

"Canada's New Government is committed to making our First Nations communities safer, and we are doing this today by investing, along with the Province of Alberta, in effective policing for the Whitefish Lake First Nation," said Mr. Benoit. "Through this agreement, three RCMP officers will provide professional, real-time police services in this community."

"Every family deserves to live in a safe community," said Fred Lindsay, Alberta Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. "Through our strong partnership with Public Safety Canada and the leaders of Whitefish Lake First Nation, this agreement sends a clear message that we will actively target violence and gang activity in all our communities."

This agreement provides funding for the officers between March 1, 2007 and March 31, 2012. The federal and provincial governments will share the cost of providing First Nations policing services with Canada's share being $1.4 million and Alberta contributing $1.3 million.

"The implementation of the community tripartite agreement is both a historical and significant milestone for the Whitefish Lake First Nation #128," said Chief Tom Houle. "It will assist our community to become a safer place for our children as well as future generations."

"Serving Aboriginal communities is an important part of the RCMP's history and continues to be one of our priority areas," said Deputy Commissioner Rod Knecht, Commanding Officer for RCMP "K" Division. "This agreement helps us to fulfill our commitment to the safety, health and wellness of Aboriginal communities."

Under community tripartite agreements,First Nations have their own dedicated, on-site, community-based contingent of members from an existing police service, usually the RCMP. Efforts are made for these RCMP police services to be staffed by Aboriginal police members.

Information:

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2863

Trevor Gemmell
Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security Communications
780-644-1268

S/Sgt Andy Routhier
RCMP St. Paul Detachment
780-645-8870