On Friday, October 14, approximately 200 people met at St-Laurent Complex for a presentation and panel discussion on “Racialized Youths and the Canadian Judicial System”.
A central theme of the event organized by Ketcia Peters (COMPAC member and Darlène Lozis (Mediator) was oversight and accountability.
Among the presenters was Ontario Attorney General Yasir Naqvi who spoke about the relationship between police and youth and what the government is doing. “Our justice system needs to become modernized in order to be more transparent and accountable,” said Naqvi during his address. He stressed the need for a new Police Service Act; stating that a lot has changed since 1990 and law needs to make use of technology to have a justice system that is more effective and user-friendly. “The Ontario government is committed to have a new Police Service Act by spring of 2017,” Naqvi said.
Naqvi also spoke about the Anti-Racism Directorate that was created in February 2016 and being championed by his colleague the Honourable Michael Coteau, the Minister Responsible for Anti-Racism. Naqvi said, “Everyone has a role in making our community safe. Policy makers, police and the community – particularly the youth need to be involved and part of the solutions.”
Initiatives like the Community and Police Action Committee (COMPAC) give citizens access to the police to ask questions and get information when needed. During his remarks he promoted the community meetings being held across the province to hear citizens’ ideas on addressing systemic racism.
Other presenters included Don Sweet, a Superintendent at Ottawa Police Service who spoke about his prospective on programs that are in place for the community and individuals who face the prison system – programs such as the Traffic Stop Race Data Collection Project (TSRDCP) and COMPAC.
Panelist Carl Cartwright spoke on the Civilian Public Complaint Process in Ontario, while Darlène Lozis talked about the problems that prevent the integration of youths into the Canadian society, whether they are born here or elsewhere.
The event also included performances from artistes Maxwell, Unit T and The B2. “We are here to perform in a positive space for a great cause; as well as talk about issues around peace and strengthening the community”, said Abel.
To realize real progress and improvements in the relationship between racialized communities and the police, it is essential that both parties work collaboratively. They must show the same effort in reaching solutions as they do reacting to devastating instances and fatal racial discrimination.
Ketcia and Darlène want to help demystify the judicial system and its process so that the community better understand their rights and responsibilities.
