This is an important component of a national strategy on community safety and crime prevention that we will be announcing in the near future. We all have a role to play in ensuring that we have the most efficient and effective police services. We must continue to develop answers to the question of how best to prepare the police to respond to the needs of the community and to do it in cooperation with members of the community. Over the years, the Ministry of the Solicitor General has been helping to identify training needs for police services across the country. Currently, some training initiatives in the area of family violence are being pursued, in cooperation with the Canadian police-community.
Police have a difficult and challenging job.
I know that Canadians admire and respect the work they do. But they can only be as good as the training, leadership and policies they receive. I say we look at new ways to help the police form partnerships with those they work for and serve and get on with the real business, protecting all citizens from crime and threats to their security. I hope that some of the ideas and information I have provided will be of assistance to you. I know that you have sessions planned with the RCMP and Judge Jean-Pierre Beaulne of the Public Complaints Commission following the lunch, I wish you a successful and enjoyable afternoon.