Fort Simpson (Oct 08/04) - Nahendeh's MLA said he will continue to raise concerns over the police staffing cut in Fort Simpson.

Kevin Menicoche plans to send a letter to MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew, with whom he is scheduled to meet "in the near future." The elimination of a position at the Fort Simpson RCMP detachment will certainly be a discussion topic during that meeting, he noted.

He explained he wasn't available for last week's public meeting in Fort Simpson due to budget meetings in Yellowknife. However, he said he met personally with RCMP Insp. Greg Morrow, Sept. 22 in the NWT capital.

At that time, the politician said he conveyed his displeasure and warned if the issue wasn't resolved to the satisfaction of Nahendeh's communities, he would speak to it during the Legislative Assembly's fall sitting, which commences on Oct. 13.

He added he inquired to the Minister of Justice about the potential staffing cut during question period in the Legislature in May. The official response was that while the GNWT contributes to RCMP salaries, the RCMP is solely responsible for its staffing resources. However, the Justice minister indicated that the GNWT plans to increase the overall number of police officers within the next two years, according to Menicoche.