Governments of Canada and Northwest Territories partner to put more police on our streets
OTTAWA, March 28, 2008 – The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, on behalf of the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Justice for Northwest Territories, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide the Northwest Territories with $800,000 over five years as part of a new Police Officers Recruitment Fund. This Fund supports the Government of Canada's national effort to recruit 2,500 police officers and provides flexibility to the provinces and territories in hiring additional personnel across the country.
"The Government's most important duty is the protection of Canadians against threats to their safety and security, and our Government has been taking action where needed to get the job done," said Minister Strahl. "By making funding available to support the recruitment of new front-line police officers, we are delivering on a key platform commitment to enhance community safety. I am pleased we are partnering with Northwest Territories to strengthen law enforcement in the region."
"Community safety is a priority of the Government of the Northwest Territories and all our residents," said Minister Lafferty. "In the north, the RCMP plays a vital role in addressing crime and underlying social issues. These funds will contribute to our government's actions to improve policing services in our small communities."
Budget 2008 has created a third-party trust fund of up to $400 million to be allocated proportionally. Each province and territory – in recognition of their jurisdiction over policing – is responsible for distributing funds to municipal and provincial/territorial police services. The provincial and territorial governments are encouraged to report directly to their residents on the expenditures and outcomes on the implementation of this initiative in hiring additional officers.
Tackling crime and strengthening the security of Canadians are paramount responsibilities for the Government of Canada. The introduction of the Police Officers Recruitment Fund further demonstrates that the Government takes these responsibilities seriously by providing assistance to the provinces and territories for the recruitment of 2,500 additional front-line police officers.
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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
Laura Seddon
Director, Policy and Planning
Department of Justice
Government of the Northwest Territories
867-920-3225