Shocking RCMP Arrest Addressed by Prime Minister and FSIN

After viewing a disturbing video of an RCMP officer in Alberta, tackling and punching a First Nations Chief, the Prime Minister says reforms need to take place in policing in Canada.

During his COVID-19 update, Justin Trudeau was asked, given a senior officer decided the force was not excessive, if it pointed to systemic racism in the force. The Prime Minister says we have seen examples of systemic racism and discrimination in many different ways and that’s why we need to address it seriously. He says we need to look at the entire system in order to improve it and we need clear, transparent investigations in the cases brought forward.

Trudeau says the independent probe into the violent arrest in Alberta must be transparent. But he also acknowledges, this is not an isolated incident. He says far too many black and Indigenous Canadians do not feel safe around police and its unacceptable. He says, “As governments, we have to change that.” He reiterated a call for police, including the RCMP to be equipped with body cameras.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Executive says that it stands in support of Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation in Alberta. Chief Adam was the victim of the RCMP officer. FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron says, “We have a dark history of racism within the police agencies in Saskatchewan.” He says, “All areas of policing need a major overhaul before First Nations people feel safe and protected by the police.” He says the RCMP and other police agencies need to acknowledge the existence of internalized systemic racism and make immediate changes in terms of how they interact with First Nations people.

The FSIN is renewing its call for an independent oversight committee tasked to investigate complaints against police and police conduct. The organization also wants a public inquiry into systemic discrimination in the justice system.
[gw june 12 2020]

[cjgx june 12 2020]