DOJ: Commit to a Sustainable Policing Model Report
CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I am happy to wait for the government to keep applauding themselves.
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Justice. In the last sitting of the Legislature, I asked the minister about the contents of an FOI request that clearly demonstrated that work on a review of policing services is under way. A January 2021 briefing note on police services delivery identifies significant cost pressures and suggests that centralized and modernized policing may ensure a more sustainable model. I'll table that.
As of March of this year, the Department of Justice had more than $11 million in additional appropriations due to RCMP contract operating costs - I'll table that. Mr. Speaker, will the minister now commit to tabling a report on a more sustainable model of policing for Nova Scotia?
HON. BRAD JOHNS « » : What I will say is that I do recognize that policing is a shifting portfolio. Things arise all the time, and one of the issues currently is the pressure to provide policing across this province.
We've heard from municipalities and we are looking at having discussions. Once again, I'm waiting to hear some of the recommendations that come out of the Mass Casualty Commission, who have been directed to make recommendations in regards to policing in the province. We'll wait until that time.
CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : So in the last six months there was a report, there wasn't a report, there didn't need to be a report, and now there are conversations.
Mr. Speaker, the final report prepared by the Subcommittee to Define Defunding the Police for the Halifax Regional Municipality calls on the provincial government to bring the Police Act into compliance with relevant international human rights standards. These include the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the recommendations of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and others.
Recently, other jurisdictions, including British Columbia, have opened up their policing legislation for review for just these reasons. In Nova Scotia, as is so clear right now and was mentioned by the minister himself, such a review must be informed by the findings and recommendations of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission . . .
THE SPEAKER « » : Question, please.
CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : When that work is complete, will the minister finally agree to a full review and reform of the Police Act?
BRAD JOHNS « » : Mr. Speaker, what I will say is the HRP Commission, of course, is independent of the province. They may forward recommendations to the province but they're independent from us.
Once again, it would be kind of premature for me to make any guess on what's going to come out of the recommendations of the Mass Casualty Commission. I have committed to waiting until the end.
What I will offer the member is I do know that sometime in May the Mass Casualty Commission will be presenting an interim report and I will be looking at that at that time. As things move, I may readjust my decision at that time after I see the interim report.