MILLBROOK, N.S. – A bid to have the RCMP dispatch centre relocated to the Truro Power Centre in Millbrook has received the backing of Canada’s first Minister of Indigenous Services.
“There are a number of positive impacts expected by establishing the Operations Communications Centre in Millbrook First Nation,” MP Jane Philpott wrote, in a letter to Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale.
Millbrook Chief Bob Gloade described the support he has received previously from Cumberland-Colchester MP Bill Casey and other MPs and now, the Minister of Indigenous Services, as a huge step in the process.
“I’m very pleased with it,” he said, of Philpott’s endorsement. “This would be a significant benefit to Colchester because you are looking at all the jobs that wouldn’t have to be relocated.”
A new location is required to replace the aging and inadequate RCMP communication’s centre in Truro. Millbrook officials have been working to convince RCMP brass that the Power Centre would be an ideal site.
That proposal has also had the backing of Casey, who forwarded Philpott’s endorsement letter to the Truro Daily News.
In addition to helping advance the “nation to nation relationship between Canada and its first peoples, such a move would also “help to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action,” Philpott said.
“The Operations Communications Centre in the Truro/Millbrook area would help to ensure important emergency management recommendations and guidelines are maintained,” she said, in reference to suggestions RCMP have also considered housing its entire dispatch operations out of one building in Halifax.
“I am confident that as one of the most prosperous communities in Canada, Millbrook First Nation can support the successful relocation and operation of the Operations Communication Centre,” she said.
Gloade echoed Philpott’s sentiment that locating the dispatch centre in Millbrook would go a long way towards building relations and implementing the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as having the potential to create future jobs for his people.
“ (RCMP) have some challenges trying to recruit more but this would give an increased opportunity for members in our community to seek additional employment within the RCMP and particularly in a 911 call centre,” Gloade said.
Casey agreed.
“The move would keep these good jobs in Colchester County, and would be a win for the RCMP, Millbrook, the federal government and Colchester,” the MP said.
