Georjann Morriseau, herself a member of the CSPTB, shared an open letter earlier this week stating that the leadership of the SPTB is not seriously committed to changing a work environment toxic
.
She claims that the police is about to collapse
, because the administration is unable to properly fulfill its role.
« It is in the public interest to know that an increasing number of members of the SPTB file complaints with the Human Rights Court against the leaders of the SPTB and of the CSPTB. »
Currently, there are 8 complaints filed officially and 2 awaiting treatment in court. It’s pretty unprecedented
, she adds.
Mrs. Morriseau, who was president of the CSPTB, says she herself has been a victim of harassment and discrimination.
it’s not just about me
Georjann Morriseau said during a news conference Thursday, along with his attorney, Chantelle Bryson.
« I am sharing my story to show what police leaders did to me while I was on the Commission. My story mirrors that of many others within the Service, who cannot speak out. »
Bryson noted during the briefing that no indigenous officers have received a promotion since 2018, amid alleged cases of racial discrimination.
Mrs. Morriseau specified that she would like the CSPTB be placed under provincial oversight, as was the case in 2018 after a report by Senator Murray Sinclair on the relationship between police and indigenous peoples.
Attorney Chantelle Bryson represents eight police officers and two civilians in their application to the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.
Photo: Courtesy of Chantelle Bryson
The lawyer explains that this is the last possible resort, while the administration of the SPTB and the CSPTB they deny the complainants’ allegations and that the provincial government has not responded to the complainants’ requests for intervention.
it will be a long process
he says, noting that the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal has limited resources to deal with all complaints.
It adds that the Court has the power to impose changes within the organization, as well as training for senior management.
The CSPTB He defends himself in a statement signed by his current present, Councilor Kristen Oliver.
« The Commission (with the exception of deputy Morriseau) is united, works well and is far from “collapsing”. We are committed to building a police service that constantly improves, rises to the challenges and works in the best interest of citizens. »
The Commission, along with the Thunder Bay Police Service, strives to provide the police services our communities expect and deserve.
, can also be read in the statement.
Kristen Oliver is a City Councilwoman for Westfort Ward in Thunder Bay. (archive)
Photo: Radio-Canada / Miguelle-Éloïse Lachance
In a press release sent Tuesday, the head of the SPTB, Sylvie Hauth, affirms that the police and the CSPTB have made tremendous effort
implement the report’s recommendations A trust betrayed, which denounced systemic racism within the police.
« As Chief of Police, I am accountable to the Thunder Bay Police Services Board which, in turn, is accountable to the communities within our jurisdiction. »
The Police Services Board must speak with one voice for effective governance
adds Chef Hauth.
With information from Kris Ketonen of CBC
