Nunavut MP questions Trudeau over Salluit police shooting

In the House of Commons Wednesday, Nunavut MP Lori Idlout raised Monday’s fatal police shooting of a Nunavik man and called on the federal government to improve policing in the North.

“Indigenous people are still dying at the hands of law enforcement, despite urgent calls to save lives,” the NDP member said Wednesday’s during question period. “Liberals have done nothing.”

In Salluit, early Monday, one person was shot and killed and another was badly injured after Nunavik Police Service officers responded to a report of a person driving while impaired.

The incident led to public protests in Salluit that day and in Kuujjuaq on Tuesday.

Quebec’s independent police watchdog, the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes, is investigating the shooting. Its investigators are called in whenever a someone is injured during contact with police.

Neither it nor the Nunavik Police Services has identified either of the victims. However, Makkivk Corp. confirmed Joshua Papigatuk died in the incident and his twin brother, Garnet Papigatuk, was injured.

In the House of Commons, Idlout called for improved training for northern police to de-escalate dangerous incidents and the creation of an Indigenous-led crisis response team.

“We need justice for the twins, Joshua and Garnet Papigatuk,” Idlout said. “When will this government listen to the urgent demands from Indigenous Peoples so they can live in safe communities.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded, saying there is much to do to build stronger partnerships on Indigenous policing and community safety.

“We will continue to work hand in hand with local governments and Indigenous governments to get it,” he said.

Kativik Regional Government chairperson Hilda Snowball said KRG has been in constant communication with Nunavik Police Service Chief Jean-Pierre Larose and with Salluit’s mayor and regional councillor.

“KRG has civilian oversight authority for the NPS, and is working closely with [them] to ensure officers co-operate fully with the investigation,” she was quoted as saying in a news release KRG issued Tuessday.

Snowball said she wants to ensure total transparency regarding the results of police watchdog’s investigation.

Also Tuesday, Makivvik Corp. released a statement strongly condemning the actions taken by police during the incident.

In the release, Makivvik pointed to what it said were serious concerns about the conduct of law enforcement, and highlighted the “critical, urgent” need for improved police training and a better relationship between the police and communities.

Makivvik also called for immediate mental health support staff to be deployed in Salluit, a community of about 1,100 residents.

In an email response to Nunatsiaq News, Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services spokesperson Jenny Simpraseuth said the health board will not comment while the BEI investigation is underway.

She confirmed the Inuulitsivik Health Centre mobilized mental health professionals, community caregivers and specialized help for employees and their families in Salluit.