The appointment of an administrator to temporarily oversee the Thunder Bay Police Services Board (TBPSB) is greeted with caution by critics, among other things, discriminatory and racist activities within the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS). ).
We were surprised that this happened without anyone consultingsaid attorney Chantelle Bryson, who represents several agents and civilians who have filed complaints against TBPS and against CSPTB.
Ms. mentioned. Bryson that the police union and some grassroots leaders may be among the people and organizations consulted.
Melvin Hardy, Deputy Grand Chief of Anihinabek Nation, states that although this announcement seems to be progress, he thinks it is not. just band-aid to the bigger problem.
The Anishinabek Nation and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation recently reiterated their demand for the dissolution of TBPS.
” Mr. Mercer must be prepared to fully engage with Indigenous communities. We need to be at the table to discuss issues. “
The county did not contact us and told us it was because there was an ongoing Thunder Bay police investigationadded Mr. Hardy.
Melvin Hardy recalls that decades ago, Aboriginals had no confidence in TBPS. We are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect members of our communities.
Over the years we have raised very serious concerns about the Thunder Bay Police Service and the Thunder Bay Police Services Board.written by Nishawbe Aski Nation Deputy Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum.
The appointment of Mr. Thomas Lockwood in 2018 [comme administrateur de la CSPTB] have not resolved them, and it is clear to us that these problems are far beyond the level of the Commissionhe added.
” Because we have no knowledge of the experience of Mr. Mercier on policing or on his involvement in the Aboriginal community, we cannot comment on what he can do. “
Me Chantelle Bryson said her clients welcome the arrival of an external director, despite the limitations of her mandate. We’ve been asking for it since last fall.
Mr. Mercer seems very qualified. We will closely monitor how he handles the situation.
This lawyer points out, however, that the announcement of being a trustee of the Thunder Bay Police Services Board does not seem to address some of the problems that led to the filing of more than a dozen complaints with the Human Rights Tribunal, the man from Ontario.
These include allegations of criminal conduct and the incompetence of TBPS properly investigate the deaths of natives.
” We will escalate these issues to the new administrator. At this time, we are cautiously optimistic. We hope he addresses these issues and he wants to resolve them quickly. “
We look forward to receiving an invitation for our customers to speak with Mr. Mercer about their complaints and their hopes for the future of the Thunder Bay Police Service.said the lawyer.
In particular, Mr. Bryson wants to open internal investigations into the allegations contained in the complaints, which have not been done to date.
With information from Logan Turner, CBC
Source: Radio-Canada