Inuvik (Dec 01/06) - A proposed new law could put a stop to illegal gambling, drug houses and prostitution throughout the Territories.

The proposed Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act was presented to people in Inuvik last week by representatives from the department of Justice.

Justice Minister Brendan Bell is confident the new legislation would be effective in reducing crime by evicting law-breakers from their property.

"This doesn't just target the individual, it shuts down the home where the illegal activity is happening," said Bell.

The new law would rely on confidential information from the community and employ private investigators who would compile evidence against the accused.

Once the information has been gathered, the Department of Justice would determine if there was enough evidence to evict the accused.

Jeff Mackey, senior policy advisor for the department of justice, made a presentation at Ingamo Hall.

"This is not necessarily something that has to happen in the Territories," said Mackey.

"We want to ask people if they think this could be used."

Other Canadian provinces and territories such as Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Yukon have already enacted similar legislation.

Mackey explained that the program is a "complaint-driven process" which means that it would only be effective if it had the support of the community.

"Each complaint is confidential, the identity of each complainant is protected under legislation," said Mackey.

Inuvik RCMP staff Sgt. Sid Gray said he supports the proposed law.

"I am on side with this, said Gray. "What I like is that dedicated investigators will be used. There is potential for a quick resolution to problems that arise from illegal activity."

Gray added that for the program to be effective, the community would need to call in to report crime.

Inuvik Interagency Committee member Alana Mero spoke out during the meeting to ask what restrictions would be put on the investigators who would be working cases.

"I see so many ways that this can be misused by angry people in town," said Mero.

"The information could be wrong. Think about the vindictive people."

Saskatchewan SCAN director Dave Horn was on hand to answer the questions about how the program works in his province.

"We have not run into wrong information yet," said Horn, who has been through 800 investigations to date.

Mackey added that the cornerstone to the legislation is the competence and quality of the investigators chosen.

Mackey said that no plans have been made to hire investigators yet, but the ideal candidate may be a retired police officer or someone else with a background in justice.

Michael Drescher, a long-time resident of Inuvik, supports the proposed legislation.

"When I first read the information on a pamphlet, I was jumping with excitement," said Drescher.

"Our children, women and elders are suffering as a result of illegal activity."

For Drescher, stopping the illegal activity could save people from their addictions.

"I'm tired of seeing my family members commit suicide," said Drescher.

"The way things are now, it's a lot of bullshit."

Drescher said he would use the complaint process if the legislation comes through.

"Damn right I will call if this all goes through," he said.

Mackey said that if the legislation got a warm welcome from the other communities in the North, the law could be fast tracked for completion in 2008.

"There is an average waiting period of two years for a bill in the Legislative Assembly," said Mackey.

Nancy Chinna, another community member, said she also supports the law.

"It's about time we address the problems in the community," she said.

"There will be obstacles and hurdles but we can work them out."