More Arctic politicians join call for RCMP to wear body cameras in Nunavut
Posted June 3, 2020 10:31 am.
Last Updated June 3, 2020 10:34 am.
IQALUIT, Nunavut — The mayor of Iqaluit is joining other Arctic leaders calling for RCMP members in Nunavut to wear body cameras.
Kenny Bell says in a release that cameras would make law enforcement safer for everyone concerned.
Video surfaced on social media on Tuesday showing officers using the door of a moving police vehicle to knock an Inuit man to the ground.
David Qamaniq, a member of the Nunavut legislature, says that’s exactly the kind of behaviour that shows the need for monitoring.
Body cameras are also supported by the territory’s MP, Mumilaaq Qaqqaq, and its senator, Dennis Patterson.
Concern over the relationship between RCMP and Inuit has been growing in recent years.
The force, which was not immediately available for comment, faces at least two lawsuits over its dealings with Inuit.
The national Inuit women’s group recently released a report saying people in the Arctic face systemic racialized policing.
The Canadian Press
