RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki - Photo: CPAC
Canada’s RCMP Commissioner says she doesn’t agree her police force has ‘let down indigenous fishers’ in Nova Scotia.
During a news conference on Wednesday, RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki said she has full confidence in the RCMP’s handling and response of the escalating situation in Southwestern Nova Scotia.
“The members, including our divisional liaison teams, have been working tirelessly to maintain a peaceful environment and to help with a peaceful resolution to this conflict,” she said.
Lucki and the RCMP came under fire earlier this week when Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller criticized the force’s lack of action during violent incidents happening in their presence over the Sipekne’katik First Nation lobster fishery, as shown in multiple videos online.
Tensions have escalated over the last few weeks as commercial fishermen have protested the fishery, which has in turn led to vandalized property, vehicle and boat fires, a fire destroying a lobster pound and at least one assault resulting in charges.
When asked why officers stood by while these violent incidents unfolded in front of them, Lucki said charges have since been laid for many of them and her force is continuing to investigate and charge those responsible for breaking the law.
“Unfortunately, crime most often doesn’t happen in front of us,” she said.
“So we rely on people reporting it, people providing the evidence, and us intervening.”
As an example, Lucki pointed out an arrest could not be made on site following the assault of Sipekne’katik First Nations Chief Mike Sack because RCMP members didn’t see it, and the suspect “melted into the crowd.”
However, multiple videos of the incident shared online show a number of officers in the vicinity of the assault, with at least one officer splitting the men up and grabbing the assailant.
Warning: The video below shows acts of violence and contains strong language.
RCMP have since charged 46-year-old Chris Melanson of Digby County with the assault.
Today, the Sipekne’katik band has approached the courts to request an injunction to force police to arrest and remove anyone blocking indigenous fishers from accessing lobster pounds and wharfs, and those hauling their traps.
At the conference, Lucki said if an enforcement order is made, the RCMP will follow suit.
She said up until now, the RCMP have been using a measured approach to try and push for peaceful resolutions. That approach includes the use of their divisional liaison team – a specialized team made up of Indigenous officers from Nova Scotia who are familiar with the history and issues surrounding the fisheries dispute.
“its important that we use our divisional liaison teams to have that dialogue, so people have the right to peaceful protest,” said Lucki.
“That way we can keep the peace, keep people safe and focus on a peaceful outcome while strengthening those relationships.”
Although officers from Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick have already been sent to the Digby area, Lucki noted they are ready and willing to send more resources, if needed, and said the situation remains fluid and dynamic in nature.
“I want to assure the people of Nova Scotia, we are managing this issue,” she said.
“We are as well deeply concerned by the acts of violence and the property damage linked to this dispute… I can assure you when criminal actions occur, the RCMP will investigate.”
