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June 10th, 2022

On Liberals’ watch police violence is going unchecked

NDP Public Safety Critic Alistair MacGregor made the following statement:

“Sadly, there are many examples of police violence and misuse of power that harms people in Canada. Yet, there is no formal process for police officers to be notified of rulings where they have violated a person’s rights – meaning there is no process to fix the problem.

On the Liberals' watch, police violence against Indigenous and racialized people continues to be a massive problem and it’s costing people their lives. Even worse, the lack of process means that in many instances where police use excessive force there is no disciplining, re-training or investigation.

Last June, the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU) recommended a review of the current use of force framework, for the enforcement of the RCMP’s zero-tolerance policy for the excessive use of force, and for meaningful and engaged Indigenous participation in the RCMP review process. While the Liberals say they support meaningful Indigenous engagement and participation, they’ve so far done nothing to implement such a program.

The government has a responsibility to protect people by making sure that police forces and police officers are accountable for their misconduct. A formal process to inform officers when courts find their actions to be in violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms needs to be in place.

New Democrats will always fight for reforms that will protect people and their rights."