Mr. Speaker, our government is in the final stages of entering into a Memorandum of Agreement with our federal counterparts that will see Northerners servicing RCMP assets in the Northwest Territories.

In the past, the federal government’s southern contractor arranged services for the operations, maintenance and minor renovation of RCMP houses, detachments and other assets. There are 112 RCMP facilities in 24 communities. With the contract due for renewal, we saw the opportunity for a more economical alternative.

Over the last eight months, the Departments of Justice and Public Works and Services have worked collaboratively with our federal counterparts to determine the best way to deliver these important services.

The Department of Public Works and Services has an established, decentralized northern workforce with years of experience in the operations and maintenance of government infrastructure. We have strong working relationships with local resources who support the delivery of these services in our 33 communities. Our northern workforce is in the best position to maintain northern RCMP facilities.

The benefits of having these services provided by those most familiar with our communities, and often challenging northern conditions, cannot be underestimated. We expect to see improved responsiveness and maintenance to the RCMP through the expanded use of local and northern resources in our remote communities. Drawing from GNWT resources and contractors located in our communities and regional centres will improve the maintenance program’s efficiency.

There will be improved contracting and employment opportunities for local and northern businesses as our maintenance and minor project needs expand.

We expect to see improved energy management with opportunities to invest in initiatives such as biomass and other renewable energy and conservation options.

Adding 112 RCMP assets to the portfolio of buildings and facilities PWS already operates and maintains is an opportunity to create jobs in our small communities, a priority for our government. Five new positions are being created through the agreement to help meet these new responsibilities, including jobs in Tuktoyaktuk, Fort McPherson, Norman Wells, Hay River and Yellowknife.

Mr. Speaker, this shared initiative with the Department of Justice will better support the delivery of RCMP programs and services in our communities while responsibly managing our expenditure growth. We will enhance contracting opportunities for small businesses and create employment in our regions and smaller communities where they are needed the most.

We look forward to seeing this initiative in action starting in April, and will continue to seek opportunities to collaborate with other public agencies to improve the quality and efficiency of government programs in our communities.

Thank you.