Justice and Public Safety
May 13, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and Public Safety:

Minister Acknowledges National Police Week

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand and acknowledge National Police Week in Canada which runs from May 10 to 16. Since the first Police Week in 1970, this significant occasion has allowed all Canadians to recognize the important work that police officers do to make our communities as safe as possible for residents.

This year’s special week was kicked off with a cake cutting ceremony at St. Mary’s Elementary School here in St. John’s. There are many activities planned across the province by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and I encourage residents to come out and participate wherever possible.

Mr. Speaker, one important event that has become a regular part of National Police Week in Newfoundland and Labrador is the International Police and Peace Officer Memorial Service that was held this morning at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in St. John’s. This service provides an opportunity to remember those police and peace officers that have lost their lives in the line of duty and to acknowledge the sacrifice they made to improve the quality of life of every Newfoundlander and Labradorian.

While reflecting on the 19 officers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in this province, you can’t help but think about the devastating impact that their deaths must have had on their children, families and friends.

Mr. Speaker, the police and peace officers of our province often face difficult and dangerous situations in carrying out their duties and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to provide significant support to assist them in that important work. Since 2004, we have invested more than $1 billion in policing in the province and those investments continued this year with additional funding for the RCMP to upgrade rural detachments and for the RNC to hire additional recruits.

We have also fostered strong working relationships with both police forces; a relationship that has led to the launch of successful initiatives that have had direct and positive impacts on reducing crime in Newfoundland and Labrador. This includes the creation of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, which on Monday announced details of its latest investigation into illegal drug trafficking.

Mr. Speaker, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary have proud histories of providing policing services to Newfoundland and Labrador and I commend them for the part they play in making this province one of the greatest places in which to live.

Thank you.

2015 05 13                              2:20 p.m.