In the aftermath of the announcement by Nova Scotia’s RCMP Commander regarding the forth-coming apology to the black community for generations of oppressive street checks, some activists have argued that mere words will not suffice. Drastic changes in policy and practice are needed; otherwise, their assertions suggest, the well-intentioned confession would amount to mere lip service.
Halifax activist Trayvone Clayton, who previously dealt with racial profiling in Ottawa that led to his encounter with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, was among those who expressed skepticism. According to him, empty promises mean nothing unless accompanied by accompanying, substantial change.
Trayvone’s father, and co-founder of the 902 Man Up group, Marcus James, voiced the same concern. He emphasized the importance of sincerity and the need for the authorities to acknowledge and take responsibility for their actions, insisting a generic apology would not suffice.
The street check issue has been a controversial topic in Nova Scotia since the exposure of racially skewed law enforcement practices in the 2019 Wortley report. This report revealed a long-suspected truth, confirming that blacks in Nova Scotia were disproportionately targeted by the police compared to their white counterparts.
Following the release of the report, the Halifax Police Commission quickly issued an apology, with Commissioner Steve Craig expressing deep remorse. It took another eight months before the force followed suite, and now, almost half a decade later, the RCMP is preparing to do the same.
N.S. RCMP Assistant Commissioner Dennis Daley, the man spearheading the initiative, has chosen to view the matter personally. He conveyed his commitment to deliver the apology and focus on a subsequent action plan to rebuild trust with the community.
The decision represents a significant change of stance as just two years ago, the force resisted extending a formal apology to the Black community, a stark contrast to the current scenario. Many have asked, ‘what’s changed?’ Vanessa Fells, the NS Barristers’ Society Equity and Access advisor believes the change in leadership might be the answer.
With Daley taking office in the previous year, Fells expressed optimism about the force’s new direction, acknowledging that though the progress was late, the initiative still held promise.
As per the information provided by the force, the apology and a detailed action plan will be rolled out following a series of 14 meetings with the community before the year-end, representing an urgent effort to right the wrongs after generations of systemic oppression.
