Province secures temporary funding for community constables in Makkovik

Premier Danny Williams today announced funding of $17,500 to extend support for two community constable positions in Makkovik for a three-month period. It is anticipated that during this time there may be opportunity to secure federal funding to support the continued employment of aboriginal community officers in Labrador. Funding was scheduled to end June 30.

"This funding will secure these positions on a temporary basis until we have an opportunity to negotiate further with the federal government for more stable and consistent funding," stated Premier Williams. "We felt it was important to have involvement from all parties and are pleased that mayors from the communities in Labrador have confirmed their support to discuss issues relative to a Community Tripartite Policing Agreement."

 The five Labrador Inuit communities have agreed to participate in discussions to enter into a Community Tripartite Agreement (CTA) under the Federal Government First Nations Policing Policy. These agreements could result in the federal government cost-sharing policing by 52 per cent rather than the current 30 per cent. The additional 22 per cent could then be reinvested back into the communities in Labrador for policing or justice purposes.

Justice Minister Tom Marshall has had positive meetings with federal officials and requested funding for the community officers on a year-to year basis. This process had been delayed due to the federal election, but the province is hopeful that talks can resume in the near future.

"Safe communities is one of the cornerstones of our society, and we must ensure that our citizens feel secure in their homes, their neighbourhoods and their towns," added the Premier. "We, as a province, recognized the need that existed in Makkovik and we took the steps to address it immediately. Now, we must get to work with the federal government to obtain reliable and consistent funding for this vital service to the people of Makkovik."

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960 or (709) 690-5500

2004 07 01                                        2:20 p.m.