Four things we’ll never learn

The police disciplinary hearing into the conduct of Supt. Mark Fenton was the last major proceeding resulting from the G20 protests in 2010. While its findings this week that Fenton abused authority and acted discreditably provide a small measure of accountability, the last of the G20 hearings also leaves some significant questions unanswered.

What was Bill Blair’s role in the suspension of civil liberties and the order of mass arrests?

Then-police chief Bill Blair was not forced to testify at Fenton’s hearing, and has never adequately explained his role in the largest mass arrests in Canadian history. He’s now running as a Liberal candidate in the federal election, refusing G20-related questions.

What role did the RCMP or the OPP play in these decisions?

Policing the G20 was a multi-force effort spearheaded by the RCMP. However, what little accountability has been provided has come strictly from the Toronto Police Service. It is unclear if Toronto officers and commanders were acting under the instructions or influence of more senior officers from the RCMP or OPP.

What was the nature and source of intelligence leading police to apprehend a major threat?

The style of policing employed seems commensurate to a threat greater than simple vandalism and looting. If police had information leading them to believe they were facing a potential large-scale terrorist action, we’ll never know exactly what that threat was, where the information came from, or how credible it was.

Was the so-called “Secret G20 Fence Law” misunderstood or deliberately misused by police?

A secret law passed by the province regarding increased police authority inside the security fence provided cover for the suspension of civil liberties, largely due to misinterpretations of it spread by police. Then-chief Bill Blair said there was an “honest misunderstanding” of a law Premier Dalton McGuinty admitted was passed “too quickly” and without adequate thought to how it would be applied. The full story of how the law was used and misused, and how its misapplication influenced the behaviour of police and the public, will likely never be heard.