Disappointed NS Ministers RCMP Will Not Apologize To Black Citizens For Street Checks – Halifax | The Canadian News

Two Nova Scotia cabinet ministers are criticizing the RCMP’s decision not to offer a formal public apology to the black community for excessive street controls.

Justice Minister Brad Johns said today that the decision was “very disappointing” and that he is unclear on the rationale for the force, as Halifax regional police and the province formally apologized for the politics and other historical ill-treatment. of the African community of Nova Scotia.

A province-commissioned study on street controls, published by criminologist Scot Wortley in March 2019, condemned the practice of Halifax regional police and the local RCMP, which patrols the city’s suburbs, for targeting young people. blacks and create a “disproportionate and negative” impact. on the African communities of Nova Scotia.

Johns said he has not had a chance to sit down with senior RCMP officials in the province, but hopes to discuss the decision, recently provided to The Canadian Press, when he meets with the force.

Pat Dunn, Nova Scotia’s minister for African affairs, also said after the cabinet that he is surprised and disappointed, and that he intends to speak with members of the black community to get their views on the decision.

Street controls, which are now banned in Nova Scotia, are defined as the police randomly stopping citizens on the streets, recording personal information, and storing it electronically.

The RCMP has cited its intention to follow the findings of a national study of street checks conducted by the Civil Complaints and Review Commission, which does not call for a ban, but rather a series of reforms that would inform citizens of their right to refuse. to fulfill. with such a check.

In an emailed statement, the force said nationally it still supports the use of street controls and noted that its officers consulted with people from Nova Scotia’s black community before deciding against the formal apology.

The force said it continues to comply with Nova Scotia’s ban on street checks.

This Canadian Press report was first published on September 9, 2021.