Human rights must be at the heart of the province’s Strategy for a Safer Ontario: OHRC

Press Release

May 26, 2016

Page content

Toronto – The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is calling for a comprehensive new approach to policing in Ontario that addresses long-standing concerns about systemic discrimination.

In a submission to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, the OHRC raises human rights issues that must be dealt with to improve strained relationships between the police, First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples (Indigenous Peoples), African Canadians, other racialized groups, and people with mental health disabilities and addictions. The OHRC was responding to request for input on the forthcoming MCSCS Strategy for a Safer Ontario including a review of the Police Service Act.

Chief Commissioner Renu Mandhane commented, “This is a once in a generation moment to provide input and change the course of policing in Ontario. For nearly two decades, the OHRC has been raising concerns regarding systemic discrimination in policing and suggested ways to eliminate practices that, in too many instances, have become part of the culture of policing in our province. The Ministry needs to act now to ensure that a human rights lens is built into all aspects of policing in this province.”

The OHRC cites racial profiling, discriminatory use of force on people with mental health disabilities, inequity in funding for First Nations police services, and racism and sexism in the investigation of missing and murdered Indigenous women as serious human rights issues that undermine public trust in policing. This lack of trust also has negative implications for the justice system including the risk of non-reporting of crime and non-cooperation with police during investigations.

The OHRC’s submission sets out 21 recommendations to end discriminatory policing and rebuild community trust. These recommendations have been endorsed by a broad range of community and advocacy groups (see below) and would lead to improved interactions between police and vulnerable Ontarians, and enhanced public safety and protections for everyone.

-30-

For more information:

Afroze Edwards
Senior Communications Officer
Ontario Human Rights Commission
afroze.edwards@ohrc.on.ca | 416-314-4528

ILR5