Tununiq MLA David Qaminiq revisited his recommendation that RCMP officers in Nunavut begin a pilot project by testing body cameras.
Justice Minister Jeannie Ehaloak replied that “the RCMP and the Department of Justice at this time will not be looking at those options.”
Ehaloak noted that the Kativik Regional Police Force in Nunavik is conducting a body camera pilot project. She said the Nunavut Department of Justice will review the outcome.
Qamaniq asked in the legislative assembly on Thursday: “Does the minister agree that reducing the number of violent incidents between police and Nunavut residents is an important part of reducing violence in our territory?”
Ehaloak replied, “I, like everybody else in this room, don’t condone violence. I totally agree that violence should not be tolerated in any form.”
She added that community members who feel that they have been treated unfairly by the RCMP can report it and it will be investigated.
Qamaniq said holding individuals accountable for their actions “is an important step towards changing their negative behaviour. The use of body cameras, with the ability to review events as they occurred instead of relying on people’s memories, would be a good means of ensuring accountability for their actions.”
He asked the minister again to reconsider and review the use of body cameras by Nunavut’s police force.
“The Department of Justice and the RCMP will continue to explore equipment and storage options,” Ehaloak answered.