I wish to recognize May 9-15, 2010, as National Police Week.

Police Week reminds us that police and community cooperation is the key to safer homes and communities. In celebration of this, numerous activities will take place throughout the province in which both the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary will participate. Presentations are happening at local schools with an emphasis on safety and drug awareness and events will also be held at community halls and senior's residences.

On Wednesday, a multi-denominational church service to acknowledge National Police and Peace Officers Memorial Day will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in St. John's. I am looking forward to attending for the first time and joining newly appointed Chief of the RNC Robert Johnston and Assistant Commissioner Smith of the RCMP, along with other law enforcement agencies, to pay tribute to those uniformed officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

I recently had the opportunity to join Assistant Commissioner Smith to unveil two 1950 styled patrol vehicles to commence celebrations of the 60^th anniversary of the RCMP in our province. These two vehicles will be rather busy this week as they circulate throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to celebrate police week, along with RCMP members who will proudly be wearing their Red Serge and high brown boots and breeches — internationally recognized and beloved symbols of the force.

Our government's support of our police forces is unwavering. In Budget 2010 we provided funding to support an enhanced policing presence for Postville, Labrador, an additional Internet Child Exploitation officer in Gander and the continued redevelopment of Fort Townshend, the historic home of the RNC, North America's oldest civil police force. In total, our government has provided an additional 141 new officers since 2004 and we have increased our investment in policing by almost $40 million.

The Department of Justice has forged an excellent relationship with both the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, which I look forward to continuing. The women and men of our police forces have extraordinary occupations and provide us with invaluable service, often under extremely difficult circumstances. Police Week is our opportunity to recognize these actions and thank them for their service. I encourage all residents to participate in Police Week activities and acknowledge these remarkable efforts.