For Immediate Release
October 28th, 2015
Mayor Crombie Responds to Draft ‘Street Checks’ (Carding) Regulations
The following is a statement by Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie in response to draft regulations on police street checks announced by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services:
“With today’s announcement by the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services that the provincial government will eliminate the practice of street checks, communities like Mississauga and Peel can begin to turn the page on this divisive issue.
“Minister Yasir Naqvi has shown leadership. I want to thank him, and the provincial government, for addressing the problems of street checks head on.
“I also commend the province for taking real action to propose new province-wide regulations to govern voluntary police engagement with the public.
“Let me further recognize Minister Naqvi and Chief Jennifer Evans for holding multiple community consultations in Peel neighbourhoods, so residents could have their voices heard on this issue.
“I have repeatedly said we must provide front line police officers with the tools they need to do their jobs, but at the same time we must protect the rights and freedoms of all residents, despite race, religion or ethnicity, or other characteristic.
“These principles are reflected in the draft regulations brought forward by the government today. These regulations are also reflective of the ongoing feedback I have received from the community.
“I look forward to further hearing from the community about these draft regulations. It is important that we get this right.
“Since June, I have joined members of the Peel Police Services Board to raise the level of public debate needed on this issue. In September, the Board passed a resolution recommending the suspension of this practice, which is why I am pleased to hear the Minister’s announcement today.
“Our goal has been to work with Peel Police, residents, and local organizations, to address repeated concerns and problems raised by the public because of street checks.
“Today’s announcement builds on the work we have done at the local level.
“Together, we are ensuring openness, accountability, and public confidence guides our efforts to keep families and neighbourhoods safe.”
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