Mr. Speaker, this morning the Samson, Ermineskin and Montana First Nations bands at Hobbema, in the great constituency of Wetaskiwin, will celebrate the grand opening of the new Maskwacis RCMP detachment that will serve their respective communities.
The primary function of government is to provide for the safety and security of its citizens. This new facility will help to do that and more. It signifies a new beginning for these reserves that have wrestled with drugs, gangs and violence.
Three years ago, when gangs were recruiting the young people and causing havoc in these first nations communities, RCMP Constable Richard Huculiak, along with sergeant Mark Linnell, started a community cadet program that attracted over 900 young people from the four bands at Hobbema.
Teamwork, discipline, leadership and the courage to face challenges are skills the cadets are learning from their RCMP leaders. Instead of falling in with gangs, guns and crime, participating in the cadet corps provides them with new, rewarding experiences.
This is just one example of the dedicated leadership role the RCMP plays in our communities. I want to congratulate the RCMP on the grand opening of this new modern building as it continues to serve and protect Canadians.