November 3, 2020 — Question Period — Public Safety — De-escalation and Anti-Racism Training
Hon. Rosemary Moodie:
This question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Gold, yesterday the CBC reported that the RCMP is looking to update its de-escalation training and to introduce mandatory anti-racism training.
Senator Gold, you will recall that when Minister Blair appeared before our Committee of the Whole back in June, he responded to a question from Senator McCallum by committing to:
. . . make changes to the RCMP Act to establish a stronger and more robust civilian oversight mechanism that addresses complaints in a timely manner; establish zero tolerance policies on the use of excessive force . . . more robust supports for mental health, substance abuse and youth . . . and the mandatory use of body cameras for officers . . . .
Senator Gold, could you please update this chamber on what concrete steps the government has taken to fulfill these commitments to date?
Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate):
Senator, thank you for your question and for raising this issue.
The government is deeply troubled by the state of affairs and has acknowledged on a number of occasions that systemic racism is a problem across law enforcement and in other government institutions, including the RCMP. I don’t have the status on all of the items, but the government, I am advised, is working hard to advance these priorities, including legislation to enhance civilian oversight of law enforcement, including the RCMP.
With regard to other issues, for example, body-worn cameras, due to the very disturbing acts of violence that have occurred in Nunavut and based on consultations with community members there, the government will be equipping RCMP officers in Iqaluit with body-worn cameras to increase transparency for all involved.
Senator Moodie:
Senator Gold, in follow up, the collection of disaggregated racial data of police interactions, such as the use of force, drawing of firearms and traffic stops, is vital to holding police accountable in advancing the conversation on policing reform.
Could you please update this chamber on the measures that the government has taken to ensure that such data is collected and is available to the public?
Senator Gold:
Thank you for your question. The government recognizes that having good-quality data helps government and law enforcement organizations and researchers make informed and good policy decisions. The government understands that we need better race- and gender-based data to better understand the lived realities of Canada’s diverse groups.
Your advanced notice of this question enabled me to make inquiries with the government, but I have not yet received the specific details that you’ve requested. When I hear back from the government, I will report back to the chamber in a timely fashion.