THUNDER BAY -- On the heels of a tour Yasir Naqvi took of police detachments in Nishnawbe-Aski Territory, the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services is reinforcing the need for change.
Naqvi's promised Strategy for a Safer Ontario will mark the most significant changes to policing in the province since the Police Services Act was passed in 1990.
The only consultation scheduled for Northwestern Ontario will take place in Thunder Bay on Mar. 1 but Naqvi personally witnessed the state of facilities in the Far North last week with Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler.
In a written statement, Naqvi said he appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from First Nations constables as he committed to sweeping change toward equity in policing on reserve.
"I have heard from First Nations partners across the province that the status quo regarding First Nations policing is unacceptable and I agree," Naqvi's statement reads.
"Ontario recognizes the need for professional, dedicated and culturally responsive policing services in First Nation communities and we are committed to meaningfully engaging with First Nation partners to develop a provincial framework to ensure sustainable and equitable policing."
Naqvi added conversations between the provincial and federal government are underway to secure sustainable funding for the future of the First Nation Policing Program.
"I am encouraged that we find ourselves at an important historical juncture that allows us to embark on a fundamental shift in the way we all work alongside one another," he wrote.
That "fundamental shift" is apparent in the ministry's preliminary blueprints for change. Although the Strategy for a Safer Ontario consultations have yet to formally begin, Naqvi said collaboration will be at the core of the policy's modernization.
The plan intends to clarify the role of police by enhancing frontline responses to those in crisis and promoting partnerships with such sectors as education, health care and social services.
While early indicators don't explicitly suggest reclassifying First Nations policing services from supplementary programs to services as First Nations police chiefs have suggested, Ontario is committing to "equitable and culturally responsive" policing for First Nations.
Those wishing to engage in consultations online can do so here.
