LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Duncan Canvin – a retired member of the RCMP and a former mayor of Fort Simpson – has been charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation.

Duncan Canvin: retired RCMP officer and former mayor of Fort Simpson facing charges. - NNSL file photo

The offences are alleged to have occurred while Canvin was a serving RCMP officer in the NWT.

According to an RCMP news release, the complainant was a "young person" at the time.

"The alleged occurrence was in Fort Simpson," said Sgt. Andrew Ing of 'G' Division's Major Crimes Unit, which is investigating the case.

Ing added the offences are alleged to have happened between 1993 and 1996.

As for why the time is not more specific, Ing said, "All I can tell you is it is an historical case and the alleged offences are between those dates."

Canvin retired from the RCMP in 1998 as a constable after almost 19 years on the force.

Ing would not reveal any information, such as the age and gender, of the alleged victim.

The sergeant would also not go into detail about the investigation, other than to say a complaint was received and the investigation is still ongoing.

The charges were laid after Canvin was arrested on Oct. 7.

The 52-year-old was released on a recognizance with a number of conditions, one being that he not be in the company of anyone under 17 years of age.

The accused is to appear in Territorial Court in Fort Simpson on Dec. 7.

Canvin was mayor of Fort Simpson from 2006 to last year, when he lost in a bid for re-election. Before becoming mayor he also served as a village councillor.

In addition, he was at one time president of the Fort Simpson Chamber of Commerce.

Canvin did not respond to a call from News/North seeking his reaction to the charges being laid against him.

Reaction to Duncan's charges in Fort Simpson has been mixed.

Etanda Lennie, resident of Fort Simpson said she was surprised Duncan was allowed out on bail, adding she thinks the justice system should hold people charged with such offenses until they go to trial.

Judy Sabourin, born and raised in Fort Simpson said rumours of the charges have lingered in the community for years.

"A case such as this should be dealt with, it shouldn't be dragging on for years."

"It's a public issue."

"I knew about this, I thought something had been done."

Lucy Simon, from Jean Marie River, said she will be standing by Duncan's character.

She said her boys lived with Duncan in Fort Simpson while attending high school

"They would have dropped out," (if they hadn't come to Fort Simpson to go to school).

"I would support Duncan any way I know how."

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.