Minister Congratulates Membertou and RCMP

Justice Minister Michael Baker took part today, Nov. 25, in the official opening of the new Membertou RCMP detachment, the result of a new policing agreement between the Mi'kmaq community of Membertou and the RCMP.

"I want to congratulate Membertou and the RCMP for their historic partnership," said Mr. Baker. "This stands as a model for effective, efficient community policing. The partners are to be commended for their commitment to providing a police service that supports our common vision for safe, healthy communities across Nova Scotia."

Under the agreement, Membertou becomes the first aboriginal community in Canada to contribute to the funding of an RCMP detachment. The band will pay 70 per cent of the costs for two of the five officers who will serve at the detachment.

"Membertou's initiative to increase the size of the police force from three to five enables Membertou to implement a proactive policing strategy designed to foster a safe and healthy community," said Chief Terrance Paul. "This approach will include, but not be limited to, community programs such as a youth advisory committee, school liaison program and drug abuse resistance education."

"The partnership agreement signed today between the RCMP and Membertou demonstrates a sincere collaboration, one of which we can be proud," said assistant commissioner Dwight Bishop, commanding officer of the RCMP in Nova Scotia. "With the opening of the Membertou detachment, we have the opportunity to both serve and receive guidance from the community on a variety of programs that will best meet the needs of the area."

The minister of Justice in Nova Scotia is responsible for the administration of justice. Under the Police Act, this includes ensuring an adequate and effective level of policing throughout the province.