By Canadian Press

Nunavut passes bill to create civilian oversight of police in territory

Jun 8, 2021 | 11:55 AM

IQALUIT, Nunavut — Members of Nunavut’s legislative assembly voted to pass a bill Monday night that will change the way police oversight works in the territory. 

The bill amends the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Agreement Act to add provisions about independent investigations into serious actions involving police officers.

Nunavut currently has agreements with police forces in Ottawa and Calgary to do such reviews in the territory.

Under the new legislation, the Nunavut government can appoint civilian investigative groups to investigate serious incidents involving police but it doesn’t close the door on appointing police to investigate police. 

The bill also creates civilian monitor and cultural advisor roles for investigations into police conduct and says those roles cannot be filled by police officers.

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The bill was first introduced in December 2020 and was since amended by Nunavut’s standing committee on legislation to include reporting requirements for civilian oversight bodies. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2021.

The Canadian Press