NLIS 9
June 22, 2005
(Justice)

New RCMP detachment opens in Sheshatshiu

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Tom Marshall yesterday officially opened the new RCMP detachment in Sheshatshiu.

�I am so pleased to take part in such a significant event, especially given that today marks National Aboriginal Day. The new detachment and Health Canada offices are first class and will indeed provide a high level of police and health services to the people of the region,� said Minister Marshall.

Minister Marshall cited a number of accomplishments government has achieved in the area of police services. He discussed the allocation of four additional officers for this new Sheshatshiu detachment, additional officers in Rigolet and Makkovik, additional patrol officers for the Trans Labrador Highway and three positions for the detachment at Happy Valley-Goose Bay. �No other area of the province has seen the investment in police services as has Labrador and we will continue to ensure all regions of the province receive the highest level of police services achievable within our fiscal capacity,� said the minister.

The minister also mentioned that government officials in his department have been working diligently with Chief Anastasia Qupee, the federal government and other aboriginal communities to establish Community Tripartite Agreements under the Federal First Nations Policing Policy. �I am committed to entering into Community Tripartite Agreements and am confident that such arrangements will further enhance judicial services for aboriginal communities,� continued the minister.

Minister Marshall reaffirmed his commitment to continue to work toward meeting the service demands of both the communities of Northwest River and Sheshatshiu and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador as a whole.

Media contact: Billy Hickey, Communications, (709) 729-6985, 691-6390

2005 06 22                                                         3:45 p.m.