The Government of the Northwest Territories has announced an active RCMP investigation at Paul William Kaeser High School in Fort Smith.
On November 2, the South Slave Divisional Education Council was alerted to the discovery of what appeared to be a recording device in the girls’ change room at the school.
The device was discovered during ventilation duct cleaning at the school. The SSDEC immediately contacted the RCMP, who opened an investigation with full cooperation from the SSDEC and the GNWT.
As of the latest information, it is unknown when the device was placed in the change room, if the device was operational, or if any recordings were made.
The GNWT says they understand this is a very serious matter. Students and families have been notified, and students can speak to the schools’ Wellness Worker or contact the Fort Smith Community Counselling Program if they need support.
“Every student deserves to feel safe at school, and we are focused on supporting students and families while the RCMP investigation proceeds,” said the GNWT in a press release.
Additional searches of Paul William Kaeser High School and Joseph Burr Tyrell Elementary School were conducted and did not reveal any more devices.
The SSDEC says they will work to keep the school community informed of the investigation while respecting the integrity of the RCMP’s investigation.
