The GNWT hopes to make Fort Liard a little safer with a new pilot program.

SA国际影视传媒淎ll residents deserve to feel that their communities are safe,SA国际影视传媒� Justice Minster RJ Simpson told News/North. SA国际影视传媒淭he GNWT recognizes that we need to support community-based organizations who understand the needs of the community and the residents that live there.SA国际影视传媒�

Enter the community safety officer program. Simpson said the officers will act as liaisons and will assist in numerous ways, from public safety to assisting with overall community care. They are not empowered to enforce laws or bylaws.

SA国际影视传媒淭he Department of Justice provided funding for a pilot program to explore alternative approaches to community safety, outside of police enforcement,SA国际影视传媒� Simpson explained. SA国际影视传媒淭he Community Safety Officer pilot program is a community-driven initiative intended to be a proactive, sustainable, trauma-informed, holistic approach to community safety.SA国际影视传媒�

The hamletSA国际影视传媒檚 senior administrative officer, John McKee was excited about the program and felt it would go along way in helping the community.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 an initiative the councilSA国际影视传媒檚 had for quite some time,SA国际影视传媒� said McKee. SA国际影视传媒淲hen they did their strategic planning for the five years, their vision statement called for a progressive, healthy, and safe community.SA国际影视传媒�

The program, set to start later in 2021, is set to last three years.

The GNWT will provide necessary funding (providing over $300,000 annually) and the framework for the program, where-in Fort Liard will take on responsibility for implementing the program into the community.

When the project is finished, an evaluation will take place to determine impact within the community.

McKee hopes that other communities will have a chance to take advantage of the program after the evaluation.