Iqaluit council wants chit-chat with fire marshal

Iqaluit council and firefighters plan to question the fire marshal on concerns rising from his critical report on the Joamie School fire last year.

Council made a show of solidarity with their firefighting department, whose members crowded council chambers at their meeting on May 11.

Mayor Elisapee Sheutiapik complained the fire marshal released the report to media before Iqaluit council and administration, and said they wouldn’t comment on the report’s findings until meeting with the fire marshal, who was expected to sit down with them on May 19.

Among other criticisms, Fire Marshal Gerald Pickett’s report found the fire chief’s lack of experience contributed to the complete loss of the school.

In a brief statement to council, Fremantle admitted Iqaluit fire chief Cory Chegwyn didn’t have “the courses” required for his job when he was hired, and that Chegwyn had only intended to keep the position temporarily.

Council backed the mayor’s demand that the fire marshal meet council and the firefighters to answer questions from councillors and the fire department.