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Address Systemic Racism in the RCMP

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RCMP to outlaw

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), as Canada’s federal and national law enforcement agency, wields significant authority and responsibility. However, over the years, the RCMP has faced longstanding allegations and evidence of systemic racism within its ranks, creating serious concerns about the treatment of racialized communities and the urgent need for systemic change.

According to numerous reports and testimonials, one of the most prominent examples of systemic racism within the RCMP is the treatment of Indigenous peoples. The relationship between the RCMP and Indigenous communities has been marred by historical tensions, and these allegations of racism persist to this day. National cases of police violence and mistreatment, such as the tragic death of Colten Boushie in 2016, have ignited public outrage and underscored the pressing need for reform. As Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation remarked, “These incidents highlight the deep-seated problem of racism within the RCMP and the urgent need for change.”

Instances of disproportionate arrest and incarceration rates among Indigenous people further illustrate the systemic inequalities perpetuated within the RCMP. Senator Murray Sinclair, former Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, remarked, “The over-policing and mistreatment of Indigenous communities are symptoms of the systemic racism deeply entrenched within the RCMP. We need comprehensive reforms to address this injustice.”

Systemic racism is not confined to Indigenous communities but also affects Black and other racialized communities. Numerous individuals from these communities have come forward, sharing their harrowing experiences of racial profiling, discriminatory practices, and excessive use of force by RCMP officers. These incidents have eroded trust between these communities and law enforcement agencies, hindering effective policing and community relations. As Desmond Cole, a prominent Canadian journalist, and activist, observed, “Systemic racism within the RCMP continues to devastate Black and racialized communities. We need tangible action to dismantle these structures of oppression.”

The issue of systemic racism within the RCMP extends beyond individual incidents and can be traced back to broader institutional factors. A significant concern is the lack of diversity within the RCMP’s ranks. Despite efforts to increase representation, visible minorities and Indigenous peoples remain underrepresented, resulting in a lack of cultural competence and understanding within the organization. Dr. Carol La Prairie, a professor of Indigenous studies, stated, “The RCMP must prioritize diversity and inclusion by actively recruiting and promoting officers from diverse backgrounds. This will enhance their ability to effectively serve all communities.”

Reports have also highlighted systemic barriers faced by racialized individuals within the RCMP, such as discriminatory promotion practices, unequal access to career advancement opportunities, and a lack of support for addressing complaints of racism within the organization. These factors create a hostile work environment for racialized officers and impede their ability to effect meaningful change from within. As Constable Sarah Singh, an officer of South Asian descent, explained, “The lack of support and systemic barriers make it challenging for racialized officers to advocate for change. The RCMP must address these issues to create an inclusive and equitable workplace.”

In response to these concerns, the RCMP has initiated measures to address systemic racism. The organization has introduced diversity and inclusion training programs, implemented initiatives to increase the representation of Indigenous and visible minority officers, and committed to cultural sensitivity training for all members. Independent reviews and inquiries have also been conducted to examine the culture and practices within the RCMP, providing recommendations for reform.

However, many critics argue that these measures fall short of effectively addressing the deep-rooted issues of systemic racism within the RCMP. Calls for enhanced accountability mechanisms, improved oversight, and the establishment of external civilian review bodies have grown louder. Increased transparency and independent investigations into allegations of racism are crucial for restoring public trust and ensuring meaningful change. As Marie Wilson, former Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, emphasized, “Real change requires genuine commitment and sustained action. The RCMP must prioritize accountability and implement comprehensive reforms to address systemic racism.”

In conclusion, systemic racism within the RCMP remains a persistent and damaging issue. The treatment of Indigenous peoples and racialized communities, coupled with institutional barriers and a lack of diversity, perpetuate systemic inequalities. While the RCMP has taken some initial steps to address these concerns, more comprehensive and sustained efforts are necessary to eradicate systemic racism within the organization. Only through genuine reform and a steadfast commitment to cultural change can the RCMP rebuild trust, improve community relations, and effectively serve all Canadians.

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Bitcoin is at the doorstep of $100,000 as post-election rally rolls on

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NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin topped $98,000 for the first time Thursday, extending a streak of record after record highs since the U.S. presidential election. The cryptocurrency has rocketed more than 40% in just two weeks.

Now, bitcoin is at the doorstep of $100,000, just two years after dropping below $17,000 following the collapse of crypto exchange FTX. The recent, dramatic rally arrives as industry players expect the incoming Trump administration to bring a more “crypto-friendly” approach toward regulating the digital currency.

Bitcoin traded as high as $98,349 early Thursday, according to CoinDesk, and was slightly below that level at 1:25 p.m. ET.

As with everything in the volatile cryptoverse, the future is impossible to know. And while some are bullish, other experts continue to warn of investment risks.

Here’s what you need to know.

Back up. What is cryptocurrency again?

Cryptocurrency has been around for a while now. But, chances are, you’ve heard about it more and more over the last few years.

In basic terms, cryptocurrency is digital money. This kind of currency is designed to work through an online network without a central authority — meaning it’s typically not backed by any government or banking institution — and transactions get recorded with technology called a blockchain.

Bitcoin is the largest and oldest cryptocurrency, although other assets like ethereum, tether and dogecoin have also gained popularity over the years. Some investors see cryptocurrency as a “digital alternative” to traditional money — but it can be very volatile, with its price reliant on larger market conditions.

Why is bitcoin soaring?

A lot of the recent action has to do with the outcome of the U.S. presidential election.

Crypto industry players have welcomed Trump’s victory, in hopes that he would be able to push through legislative and regulatory changes that they’ve long lobbied for — which, generally speaking, aim for an increased sense of legitimacy without too much red tape.

Trump, who was once a crypto skeptic, recently pledged to make the U.S. “the crypto capital of the planet” and create a “strategic reserve” of bitcoin. His campaign accepted donations in cryptocurrency and he courted fans at a bitcoin conference in July. He also launched World Liberty Financial, a new venture with family members to trade cryptocurrencies.

How of this will actually pan out — and whether or not Trump will successfully act quickly on these promises — has yet to be seen.

“This is not necessarily a short-term story, it’s likely a much longer-term story,” Citi macro strategist David Glass told The Associated Press last week. “And there is the question of how quickly can U.S. crypto policy make a serious impact on (wider adoption).”

Adam Morgan McCarthy, a research analyst at Kaiko, thinks the industry is craving “just some sort of clarity.” Much of the approach to regulating crypto in the past has been “enforcement based,” he notes, which has been helpful in weeding out some bad actors — but legislation might fill in other key gaps.

Gary Gensler, who as head of the Securities and Exchange Commission under President Joe Biden has led a U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry, penalized a number of crypto companies for violating securities laws. Gensler announced Thursday that he would step down as SEC chair on Jan. 20, Inauguration Day.

Despite crypto’s recent excitement around Trump, McCarthy said that 2024 has already been a “hugely consequential year for regulation in the U.S.” — pointing to January’s approval of spot bitcoin ETFs, for example, which mark a new way to invest in the asset.

Spot ETFs have been the dominant driver of bitcoin for some time now — but, like much of the crypto’s recent momentum, saw record inflows postelection. According to Kaiko, bitcoin ETFs recorded $6 billion in trade volume for the week of the election alone.

In April, bitcoin also saw its fourth “halving” — a preprogrammed event that impacts production by cutting the reward for mining, or the creation of new bitcoin, in half. In theory, if demand remains strong, some analysts say this “supply shock” can also help propel the price long term. Others note it may be too early to tell.

What are the risks?

History shows you can lose money in crypto as quickly as you’ve made it. Long-term price behavior relies on larger market conditions. Trading continues at all hours, every day.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, bitcoin stood at just over $5,000. Its price climbed to nearly $69,000 by November 2021, during high demand for technology assets, but later crashed during an aggressive series of Federal Reserve rate hikes. And in late 2022 collapse of FTX significantly undermined confidence in crypto overall, with bitcoin falling below $17,000.

Investors began returning in large numbers as inflation started to cool — and gains skyrocketed on the anticipation and then early success of spot ETFs. But experts still stress caution, especially for small-pocketed investors. And lighter regulation from the coming Trump administration could mean less guardrails.

While its been a big month for crypto — and particularly bitcoin, which McCarthy notes has set record highs for ten of the last 21 days — there’s always risk for “correction,” or seeing prices fluctuate back down some. Some assets may also have more restrictions than others.

“I would say, keep it simple. And don’t take on more risk than you can afford to,” McCarthy said — adding that there isn’t a “magic eight ball” to know for certain what comes next.

What about the climate impact?

Assets like bitcoin are produced through a process called “mining,” which consumes a lot of energy. Operations relying on pollutive sources have drawn particular concern over the years.

Recent research published by the United Nations University and Earth’s Future journal found that the carbon footprint of 2020-2021 bitcoin mining across 76 nations was equivalent to the emissions from burning 84 billion pounds of coal or running 190 natural gas-fired power plants. Coal satisfied the bulk of bitcoin’s electricity demands (45%), followed by natural gas (21%) and hydropower (16%).

Environmental impacts of bitcoin mining boil largely down to the energy source used. Industry analysts have maintained that clean energy has increased in use in recent years, coinciding with rising calls for climate protections



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Transgender community gathers in remembrance, opposition to Alberta legislation |

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Members of Edmonton’s transgender community and their loved ones gathered to mark the international Transgender Day of Remembrance where they held candles and mourned for transgender people who have recently died from violence or suicide. In Alberta, the gathering was also about opposing proposed legislation in the province. (Nov. 21, 2024)



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Canadian basketball player Chad Posthumus dead at 33 after brain aneurysm

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WINNIPEG – Canadian basketball player Chad Posthumus, a founding member of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, died Wednesday. He was 33.

The CEBL’s Winnipeg Sea Bears said Thursday that Posthumus, the team’s captain, suffered a brain aneurysm during a training session in Winnipeg on Nov. 9.

He then battled complications from a corrective surgery that left him in critical condition in the intensive care unit and did not recover.

Posthumus, a Winnipeg native, played for the CEBL’s Saskatchewan Rattlers, Ottawa BlackJacks, Edmonton Stingers and Brampton Honey Badgers before joining his hometown team.

He also played for teams in Argentina and Japan.

Internationally, the six-foot-11 Posthumus played for the 3×3 national team, representing Canada at the 3×3 AmeriCup in 2023.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 21, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.



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