CANACE release: OPP take first steps toward ending Race Based Policing

UPDATED 2050 EST June 13/09

On June 12/09 OPP Sgt. Phil Carter informed CANACE that the OPP was consenting to a planned march by non-natives down Argyle Street past the occupied Douglas Creek Estates with Canadian flags.

•  CANACE news release, June 13/09: OPP take first steps toward ending Race Based Policing [PDF]

Thank you!

Along with every other gutsy Canadian who is making a difference in this struggle (you know you who are!) I would like to give special thanks to Merlyn Kinrade for his tireless work within his beloved community of Caledonia. Thanks also to Pat, Roland, Christine and Debbie. This is your day, too!

• VoiceofCanada, June 13/09: Merlyn Kinrade made them ‘believe’

Comment by CANACE co-founder Jeff Parkinson

• CaledoniaWakeUpCall blog, June 13/09: One small step for Non-Natives, One giant leap for the OPP

Thank you to Sgt. Carter and Commissioner Fantino

I would like to sincerely thank Sgt. Carter and the OPP, including Julian Fantino for making this important change in policy.

Given how involved the Commissioner is in the affairs of Caledonia, especially where Gary McHale and CANACE is involved I know that it would not have been possible were it not for Mr. Fantino’s approval. Whether that approval was a result of Minister directive or one from the Legal Services Branch of the Attorney General, I don’t know and don’t care. The fact is, someone, has directed the OPP to change its policy in a fundamental way.

To Commissioner Fantino:

This was never personal. Even though we protested at your home it was to bring about changes such as this using peaceful, lawful, democratic means rather than the violent/criminal methods of native extremists. 

I can’t speak for Gary McHale, but I am willing to talk with you or your lawyers about moving on to a better time. You can make my defamation lawsuit disappear by clearing my name with an simple apology for falsely accusation me of being ‘involved’ in violence. As you already know I don’t want any money.

You can also make my OHRT complaint disappear simply with an apology and a directive to your officers that they are to enforce the law without regards to race in accordance with the Police Services Act and the Ontario Human Rights Act. Again, you already know I’m not asking for money in connection with this either.

As for the lawsuit regarding my arrest, have your people call my people.

Readers who are skeptical about OPP commitments are asked to please read this post before commenting. Thanks.

• VoiceofCanada, June 13/09: Merlyn Kinrade made them ‘believe’

Join us for the “Support Randy Fleming” rally on June 20th

I certainly hope that now the event has been ’sanctioned’ by police Canadians from inside and outside Caledonia will come to Caledonia on June 20th to march in support of Randy Fleming. Here are the links in case you missed them in the news release:

•  CANACE news release, June 12/09: “Support Randy Fleming” Rally
• CaledoniaWakeUpCall report: Canadian Flag Raising Event (documents Randy Fleming arrest on May 24/09)

VoiceofCanada
info@voiceofcanada.ca
Co-founder, Canadian Advocates for Charter Equality
www.canace.ca

References

• CANACE news release, June 13/09: OPP take first steps toward ending Race Based Policing
• CaledoniaWakeUpCall blog, June 13/09: One small step for Non-Natives, One giant leap for the OPP
• VoiceofCanada, June 13/09: Merlyn Kinrade made them ‘believe’
• Regional News, May 20/09: OPP: Your Actions Speak Louder Than Words
• CANACE news release, June 12/09: “Support Randy Fleming” Rally
• CaledoniaWakeUpCall report: Canadian Flag Raising Event (documents Randy Fleming arrest on May 24/09)
• VoiceofCanada feature: Caledonia Lawsuits
• VoiceofCanada, June 05/09: Ontario Superior Court: OPP refusal to aid Cayuga land owner an ‘abuse of power and police discretion.’