Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Baker Lake ( Jun 05/00) - The RCMP V division in Nunavut has its first staff relations representative.

Cpl. Tim Walton of the Baker Lake detachment was recently elected to the post and will be assume his duties in Iqaluit on July 17, with the opening of the new RCMP headquarters building.

After division, Nunavut's RCMP membership had continued to be represented by the NWT's G division.

"Management asked the membership if they wanted to be represented by a staff relations rep in this division and they voted overwhelmingly in favour of the move," says Walton.

"It can be best described as an RCMP-paid, in-house position, comparable to shop steward or a union local rep in the private sector."

The RCMP have their own in-house labour relations system, although the Supreme Court of Canada ruled last year members don't have the right to unionize.

While winning his election over an officer from Resolute Bay, Walton received notice he was being offered a promotion to head up the RCMP detachment in Cambridge Bay.

He was given his choice between the two positions and didn't lose his promotion to sergeant when he selected Iqaluit.

"The whole idea is not to penalize a member who enters the program.

"The job entails representing the membership's point of view to the division management team on a number of various issues.

"When requested, I also act as an advisor on grievances or if a member is being internally investigated."

Walton took over as detachment commander in Baker Lake on June 13, 1999.

His replacement will be Cpl. Paul Richier, who has been in the North for the past three years.

"I've enjoyed my time in Baker Lake, it's a nice community," says Walton.

"Even by Northern standards, it's nicer than most. I'm also going to miss the lake itself. It's quite unique."