A recent audit conducted by the law firm Bélanger Sauvé S.E.N.C.R.L. and Consultant Réjean Hardy Inc., at the request of the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) and Makivvik, has put forward a set of suggestions to transform the Nunavik Police Service (NPS) into a distinctly Inuit-focused public safety system. This initiative followed a series of fatal police-involved incidents in the Nunavik region, including the tragic death of a six-year-old girl during a police operation.
The audit report highlights the need to enhance Inuit representation within the police force and grant Nunavik authorities more autonomy over their services. It points out that the current enforcement of laws originating from southern Quebec is not well-suited to the North, leading to a growing disconnect between law enforcement and the local communities. Additionally, rising crime rates and drug-related issues have escalated the risks associated with police interventions.
The report reveals a decline in the number of Inuit officers within the NPS, with only three out of approximately 180 officers being of Inuit descent as of February. Lawyer Eugénie Veilleux, a co-author of the report, emphasized the challenges faced by these few Inuit officers, citing issues like burnout and insufficient psychological support for handling the trauma of policing their own communities.
To address these issues and increase Inuit representation, the report recommends legislative changes to empower regional authorities in the recruitment process. It also proposes creating specific provisions for Inuit applicants for minor offenses, establishing an Inuit-led police training program in Nunavik, and reinstating the special constable program from the early 2000s. Furthermore, the report suggests implementing comprehensive cultural training for officers entering the region.
Improving working conditions for NPS officers is also a key focus, with efforts being made to recruit and retain personnel. Notably, recent initiatives include salary increases averaging around $30,000 for officers. The report acknowledges the positive steps taken to enhance recruitment, such as reintroducing the cadet program, providing more training opportunities, and improving working conditions and benefits.
The report’s recommendations align with calls for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to be integrated into Quebec’s legislative framework, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and collaborating with First Nations and Inuit communities. Quebec’s Minister of Public Security, Ian Lafrenière, has affirmed a commitment to addressing the concerns raised in the audit report and praised the NPS’s efforts to rebuild community trust through collaboration with KRG, Makivvik, and other stakeholders.