Statement by Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé on announcement of new policing legislation

(November 2, 2017) The new package of policing legislation tabled by the government today is a welcome response to numerous recommendations my office has made to improve the oversight and accountability of policing in Ontario.
 
In particular, the proposed police oversight changes will extend my office’s jurisdiction to all three revamped oversight bodies, as I recommended in my submission to Justice Michael Tulloch’s review last fall. As well, they reflect my recommendation that these bodies collect demographic information regarding incidents between civilians and police.
 
My submission also reiterated recommendations from Ombudsman investigations of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in 2008 and 2011, calling for new legislation that clarifies the SIU’s role and includes consequences for police services that fail to co-operate with it.
 
I am encouraged by the government’s proposals to ensure consistent police training and standards across the province. I look forward to future announcements about the measures the government will be introducing to improve police interactions with persons who have mental health challenges or are otherwise in crisis, following up on the recommendations in my 2016 report, A Matter of Life and Death.
 
My office will review the legislation closely and will make further submissions during the legislative process to assist in its development as warranted.
 

For more information, contact:
Linda Williamson, Director of Communications
416-586-3426, lwilliamson@ombudsman.on.ca