Iqaluit cadets back on parade 7 weeks after break-in

Iqaluit air cadets are back on parade for a new season, after vandalism delayed the start of their fall program.

An Aug. 27 break-in caused an estimated $30,000 damage to the hall on Mivvik Street that is home to the 795 Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.

A wall-mounted TV and computer were among the items stolen and the building was vandalized, according to a post on the squadron’s Facebook page.

The locks have been replaced and the mess was cleaned up, and on Tuesday new and returning cadets were welcomed together for the first time following a summer hiatus.

“The protection, safety and welfare of cadets are always our priority. Thus, with the building locks having been replaced, cadet training has safely resumed,” said Capt. Frances Ogilvie, a public affairs officer for the northwest regional cadet support unit.

Squadron members had been scheduled to muster on Sept. 3 before the break-in forced a change of plans, Sharif Ibrahim, general manager of Royal Canadian Legion branch 168, said in an interview.

Returning members of the squadron were allowed back in to the hall on Oct. 8.

The cadet program is open to all youths between the ages of 12 and 18.

“Cadets teaches a lot about leadership and brings confidence,” Maren McGean, a civilian volunteer with the Iqaluit group, said in an interview.

“It also leads to lifelong friendships and new experiences. Our cadets have some opportunities that are pretty neat.”

McGean served as an air cadet in Chatham, Ont., as a teen and her own children have also taken part, she said.

Iqaluit RCMP investigated the break-in but no charges have been laid.

“The matter in question was investigated by the Iqaluit RCMP, but no suspects or witnesses were identified,” said RCMP spokesman Cpl. George Henrie.

“The investigation has been concluded, but can be reopened if new information is obtained.”