NLIS 4
November 15, 2004
(Justice)

 


Funding announced to support new RCMP officers for Labrador

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Tom Marshall today announced that the province will introduce an additional seven RCMP officers to Labrador as part of government�s continued commitment to enhance public safety throughout the province. The amount of $591,700 was provided by Special Warrant for the new officers. This Special Warrant will be ratified through a Supplementary Supply Bill when the House of Assembly opens next week. It is anticipated that the new officers will be in place by early January 2005. 

"Labrador has experienced significant policing challenges; community, aboriginal leaders and officers of the RCMP have expressed concern that steps should be taken to strengthen policing services for aboriginal people in Labrador," stated Minister Marshall. "The new officers will help address the difficult policing environment, and are a positive step in support of the significant demand for police services in the region." 

Two RCMP officers will be dedicated to Sheshatshiu bringing the total commitment for the community to eight, and five new officers will be based in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The RCMP officers for Happy Valley-Goose Bay will include one regular member of the detachment who will provide back-up to coastal communities in Labrador, one forensic identification member, one officer to assist with the district�s prisoner escorts, and two officers for highway traffic services. The officers for Sheshatshiu will improve support for the new RCMP detachment. 

"Providing safe and secure environments throughout the province remains a top priority for government. The new RCMP officers will help to address workload pressures, and increase police presence in Labrador which has been faced with an extremely challenging working and policing environment," added Minister Marshall. 

Tom Rideout, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs added, "Policing in a relatively remote northern region like Sheshatshui is unique and can be challenging. I believe that the addition of two RCMP officers to this region as well as the additions to Happy Valley-Goose Bay will enhance the safety of citizens which is a high priority for this government." 

The increased police presence for Labrador complements the incremental resources announced during the 2004-05 provincial budget, which added RCMP officers to Sheshatshiu, Rigelot, and Makkovik. 

"We will continue to monitor policing issues in Newfoundland and Labrador, and we remain committed to working with community leaders to identify and improve policing services," added Minister Marshall. 

Media contact: Heather Donovan, Communications, (709) 729-6985 or (709) 690-2498 

2004 11 15                                10:30 a.m.


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