Resolute Bay research station burns, RCMP eyes 2 suspects
Observatory’s living quarters destroyed in blaze
The remnants of living quarters for Resolute Bay’s observatory, after a fire there Tuesday. RCMP say they are investigating two suspects in relation to the incident. (Photo courtesy of RCMP)
RCMP say they are investigating two suspects in connection with a fire that destroyed much of Resolute Bay’s observatory on Tuesday.
Police said in a news release they responded to a fire at the observatory, which is about 6.5 kilometres from town, around 7:10 a.m. that day.
Police did not provide the names of two people they say could be responsible for the blaze, or whether they have been charged.
The building was not occupied at the time of the fire, and there were no reported injuries.
The observatory’s living quarters were a “total loss,” the release said, while the building that houses a generator has smoke and water damage.
The value of the damage is still being assessed but is “considerable,” according to the release.
A fire investigator from the Government of Nunavut is heading to the community to assess the damage.
Every time suspects are caught for arson, an attempted manslaughter charge should be a mandatory minimum. Had there been any occupants, this headline would have been much different.
What’s next, CHARS in Cambay? The legislative assembly? Something serious needs to be done with arson in the Territory, not another proverbial slap on the wrist.
I agree with you that more needs to be done about these people that burn down buildings, however there’s no such thing as “attempted manslaughter”. Manslaughter in Canada is an unlawful killing that lacks the intent of murder. So, if you attempt manslaughter, it is in fact not manslaughter, it is murder. But you also cannot charge somebody with attempted murder if there is nobody in the building
.
However, these people could be charged with “Arson — disregard for human life” which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. I think the Crown and Judges just need to pursue and apply harsher punishments.
Lord knows they’ll only get a slap on the wrist for multi-million dollars worth of damages, like another individual who burnt down a grocery store in a community up here.