**** RCMP Media Release
Nova Scotia RCMP apologizes for historical use of street checks
Today, Assistant Commissioner Dennis Daley, Commanding Officer of the Nova Scotia RCMP, apologized to African Nova Scotians and all people of African descent, for our historic use of street checks and other harmful interactions.
“I am deeply sorry for the harm caused by our use of street checks and for interactions with the Nova Scotia RCMP that have had a negative impact on you and your community,” said A/Commr. Daley. “I’m sorry to you and your loved ones for how differently potential employers, your family, and your community might have seen you, and even how you might have seen yourself as a result of our actions.”
A/Commr. Daley also released an action plan that outlines ways the Nova Scotia RCMP is working to rebuild the fractured relationship with the province’s Black community. The commitments include: employee education around African Nova Scotian history and anti-Black racism; ongoing collaboration within Black communities across the province; increasing the number of, and retaining, African Nova Scotians and other racialized employees; supporting race-based data collection to enhance transparency and accountability; and reporting on progress in these areas.
“I recognize that words are hollow without action,” said A/Commr. Daley. “We needed time to speak with those affected, and to develop a real understanding of the full impact of street checks. Through these discussions, we’ve been able to come to you today with a plan, and a genuine commitment to change.”
To inform the apology and the action plan, A/Commr. Daley established a steering committee comprised of community members and RCMP employees. The Nova Scotia RCMP’s senior leadership team also attended 13 consultation sessions in African Nova Scotian communities across the province.
“Input from these communities, and from the steering committee, have directly informed both this apology and the actions that will follow it. I am so grateful for their guidance, and for their willingness to come to the table to talk and teach,” said A/Commr. Daley.
“There is plenty of healing and repair ahead of us,” said A/Commr. Daley. “Our hope is that this action plan will lead us where we need to be. We will keep working to make things right, to earn your trust, and to be the fair, respectful, and equitable RCMP that Nova Scotians deserve.”
