THUNDER BAY - An investigation into the Thunder Bay Police Services Board continues to move forward, with the Ontario Civilian Police Commission announcing the appointment the independent investigator.
The OCPC announced on Monday that retired judge and current senator, Murray Sinclair, has been appointed as the independent investigator for the investigation that will be looking into the police services board’s oversight and public confidence in the board’s ability to deliver policing services.
In May, 2017, First Nations leaders called for an inquiry into the Police Services Board following the deaths of several First Nation youth in the city of Thunder Bay, including 17-year-old Tammy Keeash and 14-year-old Josiah Begg, who were found in area waterways earlier this year.
The OCPC confirmed on May 31 in a letter that an investigation was launched into the Police Services Board.
The investigation into the Police Board arose from the OCPC having serious concerns in the board’s ability to address matters raised by Indigenous leaders and the quality of investigations conducted by the Thunder Bay Police Service into the deaths of Indigenous youth, statements made by board representatives that systemic racism exists within the police service but does not affect how investigations are conducted, and recent criminal charges against Thunder Bay Police Chief, J.P. Levesque.
Sinclair served in the justice system for more than 25 years and was the first Aboriginal judge appointed in Manitoba. He has also served as co-chair of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry of Manitoba, and chair of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
In 2016, Sinclair was appointed to the Senate after retiring from the bench.
The OCPC will compile an interim report to be provided to the Police Board, Indigenous communities, the Thunder Bay Police Service, the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, and the public by Oct. 31, 2017, followed by a final report to be completed by Mar. 31, 2018.
The Thunder Bay Police Service is also the subject of a systemic review by the Office of the Independent Police Review Director and the OCPC said its work will not interfere with that review.
