NDP echoes urgent need to address OHRC report into anti-Black racism in Toronto Police Service

TORONTO — NDP MPP Jill Andrew (Toronto-St. Paul’s) and GTA Issues critic MPP Bhutila Karpoche responded to the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC)’s final report on its inquiry into anti-Black racism by the Toronto Police Service:

“Today’s report findings aren’t news to any of us in the Black community here in Toronto, who live the reality of systemic racial discrimination, racial profiling and anti-Black racism every day. The right to feel safe in your home, in your community, on your way home from school or work should be a right for all, not just for some,” MPP Andrew said.

“The evidence presented by the OHRC report confirms that anti-Black racism is pervasive throughout the TPS and the Toronto Police Services Board (TPSB). That major gaps related to policies and procedures around stop and searches, charges and arrests, use of force, anti-racism training, and accountability contribute to the discriminatory and disproportionate ‘over policing’ of Black people. That systemic discrimination, racial profiling and anti-Black racism by the TPS and TPSB have caused longstanding and significant harm to Black communities,” said MPP Karpoche.

“Black communities have long been calling for change. To protect Black people’s fundamental right to safety will require a historic shift in the way we view policing and the health and safety of our communities,” MPP Andrew stressed. “The TPS and TPSB must continue to listen and do the work; they must implement the OHRC’s recommendations through legally binding, specific and concrete actions to ensure we meaningfully improve outcomes for Black communities in interactions with the TPS.

"The Official Opposition will continue to call for systemic changes to address pernicious anti-Black racism in all Ontario institutions, including policing. We reiterate the commitments laid out in the NDP’s 2020 policy report and recommendations End Police Violence: Invest in Black, Indigenous and Racialized Lives, and again urge the Ford government to immediately implement the ONDP policy report’s recommendations.

"Our society is long past overdue to address the profound anti-Black racism that pervades policing. With a commitment to justice and systemic institutional change, we can make our province a better, safer place for all Ontarians, now and for generations to come. “