Idlout hopes debate over Indigenous deaths during police interactions leads to action
Nunavut MP’s letter calling for emergency debate leads to 5-hour discussion in Parliament
An emergency debate by MPs in Parliament Monday was sparked by a letter to the Speaker by Nunavut MP Lori Idlout. (File photo)
The deaths of six First Nations people over 11 days — all involving interactions with police — sparked an emergency debate in Parliament Monday night.
The debate, which lasted more than five hours, was held after Nunavut NDP MP Lori Idlout called for it in a letter to House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus.
Idlout cited “a clear, urgent interest for Parliament to debate this disturbing pattern so that parliamentarians can discuss immediate measures that can be taken to save Indigenous lives, today.”
The lack of media coverage over “systemic violence and deaths” of Indigenous people shows it is “normal and expected” in society, she said.
In an interview later, Idlout told Nunatsiaq News she was “shocked” her request was granted and hopes it will lead to accountability. MPs requests to hold emergency debates are not always granted.
“There’s been report after report, there’s been recommendations, and none of these reports are being implemented,” she said.
Idlout said the government needs to act on those recommendations, such as the Calls to Action contained in the report by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to protect Indigenous people.
Between Aug. 29 and Sept. 8, the six deaths occurred across five provinces during interactions with police. They are:
- Jack Piché, of Clearwater Dené Nation in Saskatchewan, died Aug. 29 after being struck by an RCMP vehicle;
- Hoss Lightning, 15, from Samson Cree Nation in Alberta, shot by RCMP on Aug. 30 after he called for help;
- Tammy Bateman, of Roseau River First Nation in Manitoba, died after she was struck by a Winnipeg police cruiser on Sept. 2;
- Jason West, shot by Windsor, Ont. police on Sept. 6;
- Steven Dedam, shot by RCMP in Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick on Sept. 8;
- Daniel Knife, shot by RCMP in Atahakoop Cree Nation in Saskatchewan while officers were responding to a call on Sept. 8.
During the debate, Liberal MP Jennifer O’Connell said the government remains “committed” to working with First Nations, provinces and territories to support Indigenous police services with funding.
Bloc Québécois MP Sylvie Bérubé, who represents Nunavik and much of northern Quebec, questioned why the government is failing to implement recommendations from the Calls for Justice and said progress must be accelerated.
Idlout said she hopes the dialogue between MPs will push governments to take action on changes to law enforcement regarding Indigenous Peoples.
Let’s also examine what led to these deaths. Cops are trained to use lethal force only when absolutely necessary. Guessing the race wasn’t the motivating factor our MP will try and lead us to believe.
I just comment on one of the topic couple of days ago on police being investigated in Nunavut on behalf of them and now Ottawa is trying to respond after there’s so many family’s needed help on medical and other government workers, and ask Inuit to speak up more, Inuit speak up more on social media and phone calls don’t give my inuuqatiit.
Sure it never is! Cops are just as racist as any other settlers,
More information and context is needed.
Does anything she do lead to action?
It is clear that it is difficult for the NDP to do anything except talk when the party and the leader you are part of are fourth rate in the polls.
The NDP (which still supports the liberals) has caused a major increase in the cost of living in Canada due to their support of the carbon tax and the approval of future increases.
Changes MUST and ARE coming.
Good for Lori! This is a two-sided problem. Kids in school need to be told how to respond when stopped by a police office. BUT per the recent RCMP book Under Cover, by Garry Clement, the police are not trained to use the least possible force.