In early November, Chief Commissioner Donna Scott, together with Provincial Ombudsman Barbara Tomkins and Children’s Advocate Dr. Deborah Parker-Loewen embarked on a trip to two northern communities, Beauval and La Loche.

The purpose of the trip was to inform local residents about the services offered by the three agencies, as well as to learn what "rights" issues are of concern to local residents.

Concerns raised by the northern residents included the lack of adequate, affordable housing, poor access to health care services, insufficient education resources to address the special needs of northern students, difficulties with police services and the need for community services for young people.

In Beauval representatives from the Community Reference Panel, the local police board and a community elder attended a dinner meeting at the town’s community centre. In La Loche, a Dene community of 2,200 residents located 200 kilometres north of Beauval, a public meeting was held that attracted a number of residents, as well as teachers and representatives of the Community Development Corporation.

Those attending the meetings in both communities encouraged the three agencies to develop a greater presence in the north. The Chief Commissioner, Ombudsman and Children’s Advocate are planning a series of trips to other northern communities this year.