Critics say they worry a series of recommendations aimed at reforming Toronto police falls significantly short of what’s needed to bring about meaningful change.
The Ontario Human Rights Commission says it is concerned the report presented at today’s Toronto Police Services Board meeting “will amount to mere lip service.”
In a written deputation, the commission – which released its second report on systemic racism in the Toronto force last week – says the report largely provides “non-binding directions to police staff to consider additional reforms.”
The report, which the board says is meant to begin addressing systemic anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, was released last week and is being debated today.
It lays out 81 recommendations, with some calling for greater transparency on the police budget and policies, including on use of force.
The document does not, however, support a push from protesters and community groups to defund the force, saying the board “cannot impose any arbitrary cut in the police budget” or one that leads to a gap in police services.
The Toronto Police Services Board has approved the purchase of 2,350 body cameras to equip the city’s officers.
The addition of body cameras was proposed by Toronto city council in a series of changes to policing amid ongoing protests denouncing systemic racism.
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