The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General:

Speaker, as we acknowledge May 11 to 17 as National Police Week, I rise to recognize the brave members of our Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Professionals in our police agencies across this province, both uniformed and civilian, put an emphasis on working with communities and community organizations to best provide support to the people they serve.

Speaker, Newfoundland and Labrador is fortunate to have two respected, highly trained, modern police forces, which are well equipped to respond to any situation.

To better enhance the delivery of policing and public safety in our province, our government provides over $180 million annually to the RNC and RCMP to support policing services and to meet the evolving needs of our diverse communities.

Speaker, I commend the continued collaboration between the RNC and the RCMP as we work collectively to confront the increasing complexity of crime in our province.

I ask all Honourable members to join me in applause to thank the RNC and RCMP for their unwavering dedication to protecting the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.