Top NWT cop to retire from RCMP, prepares for new job

Yellowknife, NWT – It’s the final Friday on the job for the top Mountie in the Northwest Territories.

Wade Blake retires as Chief Superintendent of the RCMP in the NWT next Wednesday.

We asked him how that feels.

“I don’t know. I’ve spoken to other members who’ve retired and they say it usually take a couple months after you go before it really hits you and so far it hasn’t hit me. Mind you, I’ve been busy. My job still continues and there are other factors playing into it as well including transitioning into a new job.”

Blake’s new job will be as Director of Community Justice and Policing for the Justice Department.

We asked him, if he had to do it over again, would he do anything differently or if he has any regrets.

“No huge regrets because obviously at the time any decisions are made they’re based on the best information you have at the time, so I don’t think there are any decisions that I question myself about. Others may but that’s their prerogative.”

Blake had previously said he wished the fatal shooting in 2012 by RCMP of Karen Lander in Yellowknife had been handled differently.

Blake, who’s been the territory’s top cop since 2010, will be replaced by Superintendent Ron Smith.

An official change of command ceremony is to take place in July.

CJCD Mix 100 News

Mike Gibbins
Mike Gibbins
Hello and thank you for listening to 100.1 Moose FM! To contact me, you can email me, find me on Twitter or call (867) 920-4663.

Continue Reading

You may also like



cjcd Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

“We don’t want to live in the shadow of an environmental nuclear accident forever”: Dene Nation water protector

Environmental water activists and Indigenous governments are calling on the federal and provincial governments to uphold promises made over a century ago under Treaty 8. “We have to protect the water not only for First Nations people, but for everyone. We have seen the cumulative environmental impacts of industrial projects in the province of Alta., in the province of Sask., in the province of B.C., that all flow north through the water," says Gerry Cheezie.

Ft Providence police seek public assistance to identify suspect

The Fort Providence RCMP is asking the public for assistance in identifying a suspect after an alleged break and enter in February. Officers have released photo stills from footage of the alleged incident last month.

Minister Rebecca Alty speaks on Northern infrastructure investments

Investments in northern infrastructure and defense announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney last week was the topic of discussion for Northwest Territories MP and Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty.

Work advances on NWT all-season road into Grays Bay: YKDFN and Tłı̨chǫ Government

The Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the Tłı̨chǫ Government announced that they are jointly advancing work on the all season road linking Grays Bay to the territory. “YKDFN and TG are jointly advancing an all-season road that would link the Northwest Territories to Nunavut and a proposed deepwater port at Grays Bay, unlocking access to critical minerals and creating long-term economic opportunities in a way that respects Indigenous rights and self-determination."

Some health services in Yellowknife region to see reduced hours Friday

The territorial government says that some health services in the Yellowknife region will operate at reduced hours this Friday. The change in scheduled hours observes the half-day civic holiday on March 20 in recognition of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation’s annual Spring Carnival.