Justice
May 11, 2009The following statement was
issued by the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Justice and Attorney
General. It was also read in the House of Assembly:
National Police Week in Newfoundland
and Labrador Recognized
I rise today to recognize National Police Week in
Canada May 10 � 16 and acknowledge the efforts of the dedicated members
of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Throughout the country people will celebrate the
efforts of police officers who work tirelessly each day to serve and
protect the people of Canada. Being a police officer is no easy job and
I believe National Police Week is a wonderful opportunity to recognize
their work. While police officers do not ask for such recognition it is
certainly deserved.
Throughout this week numerous activities will take
place in which both police forces in our province will engage the
community. Breakfasts are happening at local schools, such as Wednesday
at Bishop Field, floor hockey and basketball games are taking place
between police officers, students and teachers, many RCMP detachments
throughout the province will be available for tours and a tour of RNC
Headquarters is available Friday in Corner Brook.
The Williams Government has made policing a priority
of its administration. Budget 2008 allocated $9 million toward the
redevelopment of RNC headquarters located at Fort Townsend in St.
John�s. As well, we provided $1.5 million for the purchase of living
quarters for newly stationed officers in Labrador West.
Since 2003 there are 138 new police officers. Many of
these officers have been designated to tackle issues of concern such as
illegal drugs and child exploitation. During this period the combined
budget for both police forces has grown by over $36 million for a total
now surpassing $100 million. We are proud to have rejuvenated policing
in Newfoundland and Labrador.
May 15 is internationally recognized as Peace
Officers� Memorial Day and remembers those who have fallen in the line
of duty. Again this year I will have the honour of representing the
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador at a ceremony which takes place
at 11:00 a.m. at the Seventh Day Adventist Church located on Aldershot
Street in St. John�s. During this service we will honour the officers
who have lost their lives in the course of duty in this province.
I encourage all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador
to participate in National Police Week activities taking place at local
policing detachments or other venues in their community. As well, I
would like to congratulate members of both forces who have worked hard
to develop an informative and engaging police week and indeed, I would
further extend my thanks to all members of the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for their dedicated work
throughout the year.
2009 05 11
1:45 p.m.