Enquête | Justice in Nunavik - A Change in Wind Direction

Original airdate : Febuary, 24, 2022

The justice system in Nunavik is currently reaching a breaking point. On average, 1,400 people are charged with a criminal offense every year out of a population of only 9,000 adults. That rate is 20 times higher than the provincial average. The majority of cases stem from social problems that affect the region, such as lack of housing and substance abuse. But because of the region’s isolation and lack of infrastructure, offenders as well as victims, aren't entitled to some of the same legal rights as other Quebecers.

The judicial system is struggling to keep up. The turnover rate among prosecutors working in Nunavik is high. The Amos office, which provides legal services in northern Quebec, has seen 14 attorneys leave since 2019.

Local initiatives are being put in place to change the situation, drawing from cultural traditions based on restorative justice and social harmony. However, fewer than 2% of cases are directed towards these programs.

The Inuit want to regain control of their justice system.


Journalist: Daniel Leblanc
Producer: Catherine Varga
Editor: Bernard Lapointe