Nunavik police chief vows to act on every recommendation from investigations into fatal shooting

Nunavik's police chief has pledged to implement every recommendation from two investigations into a fatal shooting earlier this month, once those final reports are presented. 

It's Chief Jean-Pierre Larose's first public statement since the deadly altercation between officers in Salluit, Que., and two brothers. Joshua Papigatuk was killed during the confrontation, while his brother Garnet Papigatuk sustained serious injuries. 

At a Kativik Regional Government meeting on Wednesday, Larose said the incident has weighed on him personally. 

"One premature loss of life is one too many … I know how it feels because I lost my son in a tragic event," he said. 

There are two ongoing investigations into the Nov. 4 incident in Salluit, by Quebec's police watchdog Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), and the Sureté du Québec.

The BEI released early findings from its investigation the day after the shooting, which it said suggested Nunavik police officers responded to a call about someone attempting to drive while impaired. 

A physical altercation ensued, with Tasers and pepper spray allegedly deployed before police drew their guns. 

In the days after the shooting, demonstrations were held across Nunavik. Another is planned for Saturday in Montreal's Westmount neighbourhood.

Larose acknowledged that healing and rebuilding trust takes time. 

"I am committed to ensuring that the Nunavik Police Service does whatever it takes to support this community with transparency, accountability and care."

'Don't let anger control you'

Salluit council representative Stephen Grasser wants people to keep up the pressure on the police, but urges people not to prejudge the outcome of the investigations.

He said he hasn't looked at any of the social media posts about the incident, as he wanted to only base his belief on facts.

"I know we're angry and I think that anger can be a very positive thing if it puts us on the road to resolving an issue," he said. 

"What I'm advising you against is, don't let anger control you — because it will put you down roads where you normally wouldn't go." 

Larose said he hears the vocal opinions about the police service. 

"Criticism, when constructive, is an opportunity for growth and change. I assure you that we are listening and we are ready to adapt to serve this community better."

New working group

Larose said the police service has already taken steps to better serve Nunavimmiut, including cultural competency and de-escalation training, as well as partnerships with social workers.

He previously expressed interest in expanding the Saqijuq program, which pairs social workers with police officers. It's currently in place in Puvirnituq, Que. 

"Programs alone, though, are not enough. Real change will be measured by our actions … We cannot do this alone," Larose said.

Makivvik and the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) also announced a new working group to review policing services.

That will include analyzing "the history of policing in the region, continue the co-development of engagement strategies, advance educational awareness, and find solutions tailored to the unique sociocultural, legal and territorial context of Nunavik," they said in a joint written statement.