Jay Macdonald, Minister of Justice, issued the following statement today after the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act was introduced in the Legislative Assembly.

“Every Northerner deserves to feel safe in their home, in their neighbourhood, and in their community.

Today, as Minister of Justice, I introduced the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, also known as SCAN. This is an important step in our work to support safe communities for Northerners.

This bill is part of a broader package of public safety legislation our government has advanced to give communities, residents and enforcement partners additional tools to respond to illegal activity, protect property and improve community safety.

Together with the Civil Forfeiture Act and the Trespass to Property Act, SCAN reflects our commitment to take practical action on the concerns Northerners are raising about crime, public safety and the impact of illegal activity in their communities.

Across the territory, residents, community leaders, Indigenous governments, MLAs and law enforcement have raised serious concerns about rental properties being used for illegal activity in ways that create fear, instability and harm.

Unlike criminal investigations or criminal charges under the Criminal Code, SCAN and Civil Forfeiture are tools that will use civil law to give the GNWT non-criminal avenues to help disrupt illegal activity in the territory.

The proposed SCAN legislation would give residents a confidential way to report properties that are habitually being used for illegal activities, including drug trafficking, illegal alcohol sales and other activities that threaten the safety and well-being of a neighbourhood. It would also establish a civil process to investigate complaints and take action where appropriate. The legislation would allow a director to act when there is evidence of ongoing illegal activity, whether or not a formal complaint has been made or a landlord has taken action.

The legislation would also require civil investigators to work with Indigenous governments, social services and housing organizations to support people who may need assistance. Where appropriate, individuals would have an opportunity to address or change harmful behaviour before further legal action is taken.

This is about giving communities another practical tool to disrupt illegal activity that causes harm and about helping restore confidence in the safety of our communities.

It is important to be clear about what this legislation is, and what it is not.

SCAN is not about targeting people who are struggling with addiction, poverty, homelessness or mental health challenges. It is about targeting illegal activity that puts communities at risk, disrupts neighbourhoods and allows organized crime to take hold.

Public safety cannot be achieved through enforcement alone. Crime, addictions and community harm are complex issues connected to housing, trauma, poverty, mental health and lack of access to supports. Lasting safety depends on prevention, treatment, healing, housing, youth supports, strong community partnerships and continued investment in people and communities.

That is why legislation is only one part of the broader work required.

It is important to note that as this bill moves through the Legislative Assembly, there will be further opportunities for review and public discussion. This is complex legislation, and it needs to be effective, fair, legally sound and appropriate for the realities of the Northwest Territories.

Our government is committed to ensuring public safety legislation respects the Charter, upholds Indigenous and treaty rights, and includes appropriate safeguards. We are also mindful that our communities are small, our housing pressures are real, and our civil processes must reflect northern realities.

I want to thank residents, Indigenous governments, community leaders, MLAs, the RCMP, service providers, partners, and everyone who has shared their experiences and perspectives as this work has moved forward.

The introduction of this bill is an important step, but it is not the end of the work. We will continue working with partners across the territory on implementation so communities have the tools, supports and confidence they need to be safe.

This legislation is one more step in the work to build safe communities for Northerners.”

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Government of the Northwest Territories
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