Officer receives suspension after Mi’kmaw elver fishers left without boots
Federal Fisheries Officer Suspended for Mishandling Arrest of Mi’kmaw Elver Fishers
A federal fisheries officer has been suspended for 10 days without pay following his role in the controversial arrest of two Mi’kmaw elver fishers, Kevin Hartling and Blaise Sylliboy. The incident occurred on March 26 near Shelburne, N.S., as the two young men were fishing for baby eels.
The arrest took a troubling turn when the officers confiscated the fishers’ phones and hip waders, leaving them stranded at a gas station without their essential gear. Hartling and Sylliboy, both in their 20s, were left in only their socked feet, a dangerous situation given the cold weather conditions in southern Nova Scotia.
Hartling recounted the harrowing experience of walking along a highway for hours without proper footwear before finally being able to contact a friend for help. The incident has sparked outrage and concern within the Mi’kmaw community and beyond.
The Canadian Press confirmed the penalty imposed on one officer, but details regarding the sanctions on the other two officers involved remain unclear. In response to the incident, a source revealed that several federal Fisheries Department enforcement officers in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick took mental health leave as a form of protest against the penalties handed down.
The Union of Health and Environment Workers, representing the officers, refrained from commenting on the sanctions or the officers’ protest. Federal Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier also chose not to comment on the matter, while the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs remained silent, deeming it an “internal DFO matter.”
The mishandling of the arrest of the Mi’kmaw elver fishers underscores the need for accountability and sensitivity in law enforcement practices. The incident has raised questions about cultural competency and respect for Indigenous rights within federal agencies.
Moving forward, it is essential for all parties involved to address the systemic issues that led to this troubling situation. By promoting dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation, steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
