THUNDER BAY - Disciplinary charges against a Thunder Bay Police Service constable shown on video striking an Indigenous teen have been withdrawn.
Const. Courtney Clair was facing two counts of unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority under the Police Services Act stemming from an incident in 2018 where she was recorded on video appearig to strike a 17-year-old Indigenous student.
According to a statement by Chris Adams, director communications and technology with the Thunder Bay Police Service, the Police Service Act charges against Clair were withdrawn last Friday following an “exhaustive review by the Thunder Bay Police Service’s Prosecutor.”
Adams added that all involved parties have been made aware of this decision.
A video that surfaced on social media in December 2018 showed a Thunder Bay Police Service Officer, later identified as Clair, appearing to strike an Indigenous teen that was strapped to a gurney.
According to a Thunder Bay Police Service media release issued shortly after the incident, police were called to assist paramedics with an injured adult woman at an Egan Street residence.
In the 21-second long video, Clair can be heard yelling at a 17-year-old girl, saying: “that’s enough” and “you do not spit on me” after appearing to strike her in the face and then forcefully pushing her down.
The teen was later identified as a Nibinamik First Nation student attending the Matawa Learning Centre in Thunder Bay.
The video was circulated widely on social media and generated national media attention.
“The Chief’s complaint against the officer has been resolved through an internal disciplinary process which involves corrective steps to address the officer’s conduct during the 2018 incident,” Adams said. “This is now an internal employment matter. As such, no further statement will be made regarding this outcome.”
After the video surfaced, Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler expressed outrage at the actions of the officer.
"There is no justification for such violent and callous treatment of a youth in such a defenceless position," Fiddler said in a statement issued following the incident.
Both Fiddler and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde called for a proper and public investigation into the incident.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation was contacted regarding this story and a spokesperson said they will not be making any comment.
