Minister addresses policing conversations

I have spent a lot of time in Shelburne county, both personally and professionally as a former law enforcement officer. I have been following the discussions around policing and felt it was important to correct some of the public comments attributed to David Levy, deputy warden of the Municipality of the District of Shelburne, in a re- cent story.

The article, ‘Residents skeptical about alternative policing proposal for Town of Shelburne,’ published on Feb. 22, 2018, stated that Mr. Levy has been in contact with me. I have not met with nor have I had discussions with Mr. Levy on policing.

I do encourage municipalities to examine ways to work collaboratively for the benefit of their communities.

Public safety is a priority for all communities and citizens of Nova Scotia. It is important to outline that policing is a municipal responsibility and it is up to Shelburne town council to choose the policing model that works best for them. As Justice Minister, it is my role to ensure that effective policing services are in place and that minimum policing standards are met and public safety maintained.

I look forward to the continued dialogue. It is important that residents are engaged in a healthy discussion about how best to police their communities.

Mark Furey,

MLA Lunenburg West Attorney General and Justice Minister