FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FEB. 26/2019
QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett spoke in favour of legislation to changing policing oversight in Ontario.
Debate commenced today on Bill 68, Comprehensive Ontario Police Services Act, 2019 – a bill designed to repeal and replace Bill 175. In repealing this legislation, the intent of Bill 68 is to address problems from the previous government’s legislation. The climate that was created by Bill 175 made it increasingly difficult for officers to effectively do their job
At Queen’s Park, there was made mention of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which often times would put officers on an unnecessary cloud of suspicion. As a result, the public adopted a suspicious view towards officers. This view eroded trust and it eroded confidence in our officers.
What are government is really trying to do in repealing Bill 175 is address the problems, restore trust and enable police to do their job. Ontario does not need confusion from the public, nor should the public have a perverse view toward the police.
“We cannot continue to employ legislation that erodes trust and confidence in our officers,” said MPP Barrett. “The old legislation purported a process that was very, very slow and in our view, it really wasn’t’ working for police, and most importantly and by extension, it’s not working for the public. A new system is greatly needed.”