RCMP Nunavut - RCMP Officially Opens Iqaluit Detachment/Nunavut RCMP Operations Building

Iqaluit, Nunavut – May 31, 2010— Today the members and employees of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police V Division welcomed RCMP North West Region Deputy Commissioner Rod Knecht and local dignitaries to the official opening of the new Iqaluit Detachment and Nunavut RCMP Operations building.

This new facility amalgamates V Division’s operational resources into one facility, dramatically increasing the RCMP’s capacity to conduct investigations, improve accountability and optimize its partnerships, while providing the highest quality of service.

“This new building is a symbol of the RCMP’s pride in serving Canada’s northern communities and the good relationships that we and the people of Nunavut have built together,” said D/Commr Knecht. “I would like to thank our partners in the Federal Government, the territorial government and citizens of Nunavut for the support that made this new facility possible.”

The RCMP has a rich history of policing in Canada's northern frontier dating back to the early part of the 1900s. Just 11 years ago, the Nunavummiut realized a long-time dream with the creation of a new and distinct Territory. The focus of the RCMP efforts in Nunavut will continue to meet the policing agreement signed between the Government of Nunavut, the Government of Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

“Our dedicated police personnel deserve to have the tools they need to do their job and make communities safe,” said Public Safety Canada Minister Vic Toews. “This new and modern facility will help the RCMP to be even more effective in enforcing the law, preventing crime and protecting Canadians, so that citizens and communities get the services they need.”

This building was built in Nunavut for Nunavut and replaces the 1971 Detachment building that served Iqaluit and the North well over the years. However, as policing demands have changed dramatically over the past decade, so has the RCMP. This building is the latest example.

“Today, we are all witnessing a significant milestone for the RCMP with the opening of a facility that will further strengthen the bond between the RCMP and Nunavummiut through an enhanced ability to provide responsive and sensitive policing services,” said V Division Commanding Officer C/Supt Steve McVarnock. “I am confident in saying that this beautiful building will become an RCMP ‘beacon’ in Iqaluit and Nunavut for decades to come.”

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For more information, contact:
S/Sgt Steve Wright
District Advisory NCO
Office: (867) 975-4413
Cell: (867) 979-1111