The Department of Justice has updated legislation to make it possible to have a civilian monitor and a cultural adviser involved in investigations of RCMP conduct.
“These appointed individuals will ensure that the investigation is completed in a manner free of bias and is appropriate to the community and culture of those involved,” Justice Minister George Hickes said in the legislative assembly on June 7. “It is a priority for the Department of Justice to ensure any change to the way policing in the territory is conducted is forward facing and reflects the needs of Nunavummiut.”
The Nunavut RCMP have an agreement in place with the Ottawa Police Service to look into serious allegations against Mounties.
MLAs voiced their pleasure over the inclusion of a cultural adviser and civilian monitor in future investigations.
“I, myself, will support the bill because it incorporates Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and people will now know where to turn to in Nunavut, and those complaints will not just go on and on, and the people of Nunavut will know what’s happening,” said Ammituq representative Joelie Kaernerk.
Aivilik MLA Patterk Netser said, “We will have a close working relationship between Inuit and the RCMP. I’m very pleased to see this bill and I will be supporting it.”
In concluding discussion surrounding the Act to Amend the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Agreement Act, Hickes stated: “I think this is a massive step forward for policing oversight across Nunavut and I’m really
looking forward to the implementation of this piece of legislation.”