Racism must be addressed: report
However, at the board meeting Tuesday, Hauth went further. “The reports clearly state the need for a thoughtful and impactful plan to address the issues of systemic racism within the service and the board.”
She promised consultations in the new year to formulate a plan of action, and pledged to work with Lockwood in hopes the police service would be able to meet the “community’s expectations.”
In the second report last week, the Ontario Civilian Police Commission slammed the police board itself for its “wilful blindness” to its own racism as well as that of the police force. The board, Senator Murray Sinclair wrote in his review, had “perpetuated systemic discrimination that has directly impacted First Nation peoples.”
In response, the commission appointed Lockwood to assume the powers of the board as administrator until such time as members of a reconstituted board had undergone training, and proper policies and procedures had been put in place.
For her part, the board’s first Indigenous chair — appointed 10 days ago — said the board was continuing to fulfil its responsibilities under Lockwood.
“Our intention is to move with alacrity to bring the board up to speed so that we can resume our full duties,” Celina Reitberger said. “I am confident that we are off to a good start and that the journey towards healing will continue apace.”
Lockwood said the emphasis now would be on training and working to develop policies and procedures “vital to the proper operation of the board.” He encouraged anyone wishing to serve the board to send resumés.
The Thunder Bay Police Association had said it understood the concerns of the Indigenous community but faulted the McNeilly report for failing to emphasize what it said was the hard work of officers and for omitting how much violent crime the force does solve.
“Will we make mistakes? Of course, we are not perfect, and we accept the responsibility for those mistakes,” the statement said. “What we do not accept is the repeated accusations that our members are ‘racist.’”