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Province seeks public feedback on Strategy for a Safer Ontario

Ontario is launching public consultations across the province on the development of its Strategy for a Safer Ontario - a new blueprint for effective, sustainable, and community-based policing.

Ontario is launching public consultations across the province on the development of its Strategy for a Safer Ontario - a new blueprint for effective, sustainable, and community-based policing.

The nature of policing and the role of police officers have changed since the Police Services Act was written in 1990. Policing has evolved as a result of advancements in technology, the increasing frequency of police interactions with vulnerable individuals, such as those suffering with mental health or addiction issues, and Ontarians' enhanced expectations about oversight and accountability of law enforcement.

The new Strategy for a Safer Ontario will include updating the Police Services Act. Consultations will seek input on how to:

• Promote collaborative partnerships between police, the public and other sectors such as education, health care and social services, to ensure that those in need of help receive the right response, at the right time, and by the right service provider
• Improve interactions between police and vulnerable Ontarians, including enhancing frontline responses to those in crisis
• Clarify police duties, modernize training programs and deliver services using a range of public safety personnel
• Enhance accountability and strengthen civilian governance of police services boards as well as ensure police oversight bodies are effective and have clear mandates

In addition, Ontario will also be developing a framework for First Nations policing to ensure equitable and culturally responsive policing for the province's First Nations communities.

The province encourages all Ontarians to help transform policing by participating in public consultations beginning on February 18, 2016 or by providing feedback through an online survey.

Supporting safe, healthy communities is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow
the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

CONSULTATION DATES:

 

  • London, Feb. 18,  The London Ukrainian Centre, 247 Adelaide St. S
  • Newmarket, Feb. 23,  The Royal Canadian Legion Br. 426, 707 Srigley St.
  • Hamilton, Feb. 24, Chedoke Arena, 91 Chedmac Dr
  • Thunder Bay,  March 1,  North End Community Centre,  954 Huron Ave.
  • Sault Ste Marie,  March 7, John Rhodes Community Centre, 260 Elizabeth St.
  • Toronto,  March 10, Toronto YMCA, 20 Grosvenor St
  • Cobourg,  March 21, Cobourg Community Centre, 750 D’Arcy St
  • Ottawa , April 2,  Ottawa South Community Centre, 260 Sunnyside Ave.




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