“Enough is enough:” community groups demand police reforms

“We hear a lot of politicians talk the talk, some of them take a knee. It’s time to see them walk the walk,” says Fo Niemi director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race Relations. Community groups call for action. Sharon Yonan-Renold has more.

By Sharon Yonan-Renold and Kelsey Patterson

MONTREAL (CITYNEWS) – Community groups in Montreal are calling on the city to drastically reform its police department to end racial profiling.

A coalition of community organizations compiled and presented a five-point plan to reform Montreal police (SPVM) on Wednesday.

The groups are demanding mandatory body cams, bias-free street checks, race-based data collection, a public hearing and an advisory committee.

“Enough is enough,” said Isaiah Joyner, general coordinator of Concordia’s student union. “The City of Montreal needs to both acknowledge and address the systemic discrimination within the police force.”

While the SPVM has committed to launching a body cam pilot project and investigate a possible bias in street checks, the groups say that’s simply not enough.

“We need to be a part of the discussion,” said Mark Henry of the Jamaican Association of Montreal. “We need to be at the table. If there’s ever going to be any change, we need to be a part of that. Because our communities are experiencing these issues.

“In order for us to really move our country and community along, it’s important that we understand where the need is and really start learning about each other.”

RELATED: Quebec court authorizes racial profiling class action against Montreal police

An October 2019 report revealed systemic bias within the Montreal police force. Black and Indigenous people were four to five times more likely to be stopped by police than white people.

The SPVM is releasing a plan on July 8 in response to that report. Meanwhile recommendations from public hearings into systemic racism will be released June 17.

“We hear a lot of politicians talk the talk, some take a knee. But it’s time to see them walk the walk,” said Fo Niemi of the Center for Research-Action on Race Relations.

RELATED: Police pull black Montreal man from car by hair, caught on video

Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante has confirmed the pilot project for body cams is on the way but has not given a specific timeline.

“We don’t need another pilot project,” said councillor Lionel Perez of the opposition party. “We don’t need more slogans. We need concrete action.”

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