Nunavut’s former top cop retires from RCMP, joins GN

Andrew Blackadar has retired as Nunavut RCMP’s commanding officer to take a new job with the territorial government.

Blackadar, 58, says he’s proud of the work the RCMP did to improve relations with communities across the territory during his three-year tenure. He started as head of Nunavut RCMP in July 2022 and his final day was June 4, marking an end to his 35-year policing career.

“It was time to retire,” Blackadar said in an interview.

Leading the service’s Nunavut division is “probably one of the most challenging positions in the RCMP,” he said, pointing first to the territory’s vastness.

Another challenge is addressing its “cultural sensitivities.”

Blackadar, who retires with the rank of chief superintendent, said he was proud to form an Inuit cultural advisory committee to guide him on local needs.

“We have representation across the territory, which helped me make … decisions, when I needed to ensure that I was doing the right thing for the community,” he said.

“I hope the new commanding officer, when he or she arrives, they’re going to continue with that group.”

From left, RCMP Const. George Henrie, Justice Minister David Akeeagok, Nunavut RCMP commanding officer Chief Supt. Andrew Blackadar, Const. Inuuki Burke, Premier P.J. Akeeagok and Sgt. Maj. Pauline Melanson pose for a photo at Burke’s graduation ceremony from the RCMP Academy on Jan. 6. (Photo courtesy of Nunavut Premier’s Office)

Blackadar spoke of infrastructure improvements that happened on his watch, including more housing for officers, the opening of a new detachment building in Pangnirtung, and new detachment buildings to come in Kinngait, Rankin Inlet and Baker Lake.

Other highlights include seeing Const. Inuuki Burke start his career in Cambridge Bay. Earlier this year, Burke — who is from Iqaluit — became the first Nunavut Inuk since 2003 to graduate from the RCMP’s training academy in Saskatchewan.

Another personal highlight was going to Grise Fiord during spring last year. When the detachment commander wanted to participate in a fishing derby, Blackadar offered to cover, allowing his colleague to be with community members while ensuring Grise Fiord had a police presence.

“The criminal operations officer and I went up for a week and we stayed in the community, and it was great,” he said.

“It was probably some of the nicest weather I’ve seen in my entire time here.”

Blackadar said his foreseeable future is in Nunavut. He started a new job as assistant deputy minister of public safety within the Government of Nunavut’s Justice Department — a position that oversees corrections, community justice and the government’s contract with the RCMP.

Justice Minister Pamela Gross welcomed Blackadar to her department.

“His experience and leadership will help our team continue to build partnerships and advance goals for community well-being and safety in Nunavut,” Gross said in an email when asked about the retired police officer’s arrival.

As someone who lives alone and enjoys nature and snowmobiling, Blackadar said Iqaluit is where he wants to be.

“The only thing that’s keeping me here is my love of the territory,” he said.

Nunavut RCMP haven’t announced Blackadar’s replacement.

Supt. Kent Pike has been named acting commanding officer until a permanent one is named, Sgt. George Henrie said in an email.

One thing Blackadar gets to keep from his RCMP career is his iconic red serge uniform. Officers return their policing equipment when they leave, but are allowed to don formal attire as veterans for events such as Remembrance Day.

As Blackadar moves into this next chapter of his life and career, he said policing taught him the importance of respect.

“If you treat people with respect, even in bad times, that will come back to you tenfold whenever you need it,” he said.