First Voice Renews Call for Provincial Action on Police Oversight

MEDIA STATEMENT

This media statement is also available in PDF.

St. John’s, NL – In the months following the release of our 26 recommendations to strengthen police oversight in Newfoundland and Labrador, First Voice has met several times with officials at the Department of Justice and Public Safety, including Minister Hogan. We regret that these conversations have not resulted in any commitments on the part of the provincial government, or even any counter proposals or agreed-upon next steps.

Our position remains the same as it was seven months ago: a civilian-led police oversight board for Newfoundland and Labrador is a common-sense idea that should be implemented without further delay. Action is urgently needed to address the significant gaps that were identified not just in our own report but also that of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which was released nearly four years ago.

In the face of the province’s lack of leadership, First Voice has begun working directly with provincial and national organizations that are positioned to promote greater transparency and accountability in policing. Our own efforts do not relieve the province of its responsibility to undertake the policy and legislative changes that are needed to build trust with Indigenous Peoples and restore the public’s confidence in policing.

Media Contact

Justin Campbell
Director of Advocacy
First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre
[email protected]
709-770-1709