NationTalk: April 1, 2024 – The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) is disappointed that the Ontario government has repeatedly ignored our requests to address the glaring gap contained within the Community Safety and Policing Act, which comes into force today. COO will be moving forward on the promise to take legal action and will be preparing a lawsuit against the government in the coming days.

Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act excludes the enforcement of First Nations’ laws as a mandatory police function in its current form, which will result in discriminatory and unequal law enforcement in Ontario, now that the Act is officially in effect. Since the Act was tabled, COO has tirelessly warned the government of the serious risks it poses to First Nations’ communities, but those warnings continued to be shrugged off by the Ontario government.

Quotes

“Not recognizing or enforcing First Nations’ laws undermines reconciliation, the actualization of our jurisdiction and self-governance, and sends the signal that the federal and provincial government care less about the safety and well-being of First Nations than other Canadians.” – Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare.

Background

In November 2023, the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) passed a resolution that called on Ontario to include First Nations’ laws and by-laws as mandatory police functions in the government’s new policing legislation before it comes into force, to enable the proper levels of law enforcement and funding for police services in First Nations’ communities.

-30-

The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.

Media Contact:

Chris Hoyos
Director of Policy and Communications
Policy and Communications Sector
Chiefs of Ontario
Cell: (416) 579-4998
Email: Chris.Hoyos@coo.org