Statement from Hilda Snowball, Chairperson KRG

I am deeply saddened by the news of the shooting in Salluit. The loss of life is always a tragedy, and I offer my condolences to the community and to the families of those impacted.

Since I heard this news, I have been in constant communication with the Chief Jean-Pierre Larose of the Nunavik Police Service (NPS), Mayor Maggie Saviakjuk, Regional Councilor Stephen Grasser, and other organizations to ensure that we do whatever we can to understand what happened. As required, the NPS notified the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), which has sent investigators to Salluit to initiate their independent investigation.

The KRG has civilian oversight authority for the NPS, and is working closely with the NPS to ensure officers cooperate fully with the investigation. We have stated the importance of BEI investigators communicating with local and regional authorities, and to be as transparent as possible with the findings. I will continue to make that point clear to all levels of government.

Further, the KRG is extending support to community leaders to facilitate the participation of anyone in Salluit who wants to express their voice on what has taken place.