Image
Image Caption
Mayor Kenny Bell of Iqaluit has called for police to be equipped with body cameras in the city, and throughout Nunavut.
He said he was joining his voice to others who are calling for the addition to the uniform, including Pond Inlet MLA David Qamaniq and MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq.
“Historically, the relationship between Inuit and the RCMP has been a rough one,” Qaqqaq was quoted in Nunavut News.
“We have heard stories of forced relocation, dog slaughters and sending Nunavummiut south for tuberculosis treatment. We also know that the justice system often times doesn’t work for Indigenous peoples… With RCMP wearing body cameras, we could have more insight on the challenges and room for improvement within the justice system.”
“It is about the safety of everyone involved,” Bell wrote in a statement. [W]e will help protect the service members and citizens at the same time.”
Bell said he would bring the issue forward to Iqaluit council on June 9 for a motion of support, and would be “seeking a resolution of Nunavut Association of Municipalities executive board in the coming weeks.”