A group of protestors take part in a demonstration calling for justice in the death of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim, who was killed aboard a streetcar after being shoot by police on Dundas St., August 13 2013.Fernando Morales/The Globe and Mail
Representatives for the families of seven people killed in police shootings in Ontario will join together today in Toronto to call for action to prevent other fatal police encounters.
The family of Sammy Yatim, who died last month after being shot by police on a streetcar, is scheduled to appear at a press conference arranged by the Ontario Federation of Labour and the Urban Alliance on Race Relations.
The noon press conference is expected to be followed by a rally at the downtown Yonge-Dundas Square, where people will call for justice for Yatim., who was 18.
The OFL says it is demanding an independent investigation into police training, policies and practices "from the highest levels of decision-making right down to the front line response."
Toronto police Chief Bill Blair announced Monday that he has appointed retired justice Dennis O'Connor to assist the force in its review of all police practices, including use of force.
Blair says he's asked O'Connor to make recommendations and examine best practices from around the world, citing public concern about police use of force and response to emotionally disturbed people.