Justice and Public Safety
May 12, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General:

RCMP Officers from Newfoundland and Labrador
Assisting in Fort McMurray

Mr. Speaker, the recent tragedy in Fort McMurray has impacted thousands of Canadians including many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. With the forest fire no longer appearing to threaten the town, the work of reintegrating people back into the community and rebuilding now begins.

I am pleased to advise that 30 officers and one civilian member of the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador have been deployed to Fort McMurray to assist in that work. They will join RCMP members from British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba who have been posted in Alberta on an emergency basis.

Mr. Speaker, the request for RCMP members from our province came due to this province's unique connection to Fort McMurray and the people who live there. Throughout the deployments, our officers will be wearing a provincial pin on their uniforms to identify them as coming from Newfoundland and Labrador.

I understand that when the call for officers to volunteer went out, the response was overwhelming.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank our members of the RCMP that are temporarily working in Alberta and also recognize the often dangerous, yet critical work of all first responders who make our country safer. Newfoundland and Labrador is proud of the sacrifices you are making which lead to stronger communities.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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2016 05 12                              2:05 p.m.