Kativik Regional Government announces appointmentof new Interim Chief of Nunavik Police Service

Kuujjuaq, Québec, November 28, 2025 — The Regional Council of the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) has voted to recommend the appointment of Jean-François (Jeff) Bernier as Interim Chief of the Nunavik Police Service (NPS).

Interim Chief Bernier’s appointment, a transitional period of up to nine months, is part of a service sharing agreement with the Québec City Police Service (Service de police de la Ville de Québec).

Interim Chief Bernier replaces former NPS Chief, Jean-Pierre Larose, who is retiring after serving as head of the NPS since 2018. Chief Larose’s 46-year career in Québec and Nunavik policing is marked by several awards and commendations for distinguished service, notably from the Québec Association of First Nations and Inuit Police Directors.

Interim Chief Bernier will work with the KRG Executive Committee and Director General’s Office to implement changes in NPS culture and performance that better align with community expectations for policing. Further, he will implement recommendations from the KRG’s internal review of the NPS, and work with the Nunavik Public Security Committee to make changes that reflect greater sensitivity to cultural realities and closer collaboration with community leaders. He also will work with the KRG to recruit a permanent Chief of Police during 2026

Quote:
“The scope of policing has grown dramatically in the 30 years since the formation of a Nunavik police service. On behalf of the Regional Council, I would like to thank Jean-Pierre Larose. He has overseen tremendous change within the past eight years as NPS Chief, and we have appreciated his leadership. To Jeff Bernier, our new Interim Chief, the Regional Council is ready to support our efforts to implement police audit recommendations for changes to police procedures and behaviors that our communities are calling for.”
̶ Maggie Emudluk, Chairperson, Kativik Regional Government

The Kativik Regional Government delivers comprehensive public services to Nunavimmiut under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (1975). The KRG is governed by a 17-member Council of elected municipal representatives from 14 northern communities in Nunavik, an elected Chair and Vice-Chair, and the chief of the Naskapi First Nation of Kawawachikamach.

Media Contact:
KRG: Denis Abbott, APR / KRG Communications / Tel: 514-795-5196 / media@krg.ca