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Address Systemic Racism in the RCMP

Published

1 year ago

June 26, 2023

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.

News

Justin Trudeau says his leadership is not in danger as Liberals brace for revolt

Published

20 mins ago

October 22, 2024

Anne Joseph

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his leadership of the Liberal party is not in danger, even as members of his caucus prepare to confront him Wednesday in the hopes of convincing him to step down.

He brushed off those concerns as he headed into his regular Tuesday meeting with cabinet ministers.

One by one, those ministers expressed their support for Trudeau as they spoke to reporters on their way into the meeting.

“Anybody who has ever bet against Justin Trudeau is sorry they made that bet the next day,” said Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault.

But while members of the cabinet have defended Trudeau staying on as leader, a number of Liberal MPs have signed onto a letter that aims to convince him to step aside before the next election.

It’s not clear how many members of Trudeau’s team of MPs plan to confront him, or exactly what their message will be. There is no way for the Liberal caucus to force Trudeau out, the decision about whether to stay or go will ultimately be up to the prime minister.

So far, Charlottetown MP Sean Casey is the only Liberal to publicly say that he has signed the letter.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller, who is also Trudeau’s personal friend, spoke out against MPs who hope to oust the leader.

“Any minute spent on this garbage is a minute that’s not spent on Pierre Poilievre and what he wants to do to this country,’ Miller told reporters.

Other ministers suggested a healthy debate within caucus was the best way to pull the team together.

“Any time there are voices of dissent we have to deal with them, we have to listen to them carefully,” Labour Minister Stephen MacKinnon said.

“We have to deal with them and present a unified face to Canadians.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.

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Ottawa remembers reservist killed in Parliament Hill attack one decade later

Published

2 hours ago

October 22, 2024

Anne Joseph

Ottawa marked the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on Parliament Hill Tuesday, but for the family of the reservist who was killed that day the memory is still raw.

“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years. It felt like it was yesterday,” said Ephraim Cirillo after a private family ceremony held at the National War Memorial.

His cousin, 24-year-old Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, was shot to death on Oct. 22, 2014, while he was guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the memorial. The gunman also shot at Cpl. Branden Stevenson, who was guarding the site with Cirillo that morning.

Ephraim Cirillo said Stevenson is one of his best friends.

“It was tough just knowing that my best friend was beside (Nathan) as well,” he said, adding that “it was nice to know that Nathan had Branden to comfort him in his final breaths.”

Politicians issued statements to mark the day, and are scheduled to hold a moment of silence in the House of Commons Tuesday afternoon.

Ephraim Cirillo said he wants people to remember Nathan’s bravery and love for his family.

“He was brave, he was a leader, he was an amazing human being … I wish he could still be here today,” he said.

Ephraim said he’s visited the memorial almost every year since the attack to honour Nathan and support his mother. The cousins were just one year and one day apart, and used to celebrate their birthdays together, he said.

After targeting Cirillo, the gunman made his way down the street to Parliament Hill and entered Centre Block, where he fired multiple shots before he was killed.

The attack happened in the Hall of Honour while Conservative and NDP MPs were gathered in surrounding committee rooms for their weekly caucus meetings. It forced then-prime minister Stephen Harper and MPs into lockdown for hours, and drew attention to security lapses on and around Parliament Hill.

Political leaders also marked the death of warrant officer Patrice Vincent, who was killed in a separate terrorist attack two days before the Parliament Hill shooting in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.

“Today, our hearts are with their families and friends who still grieve the loss of their loved ones,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement.

He said despite the terror and grief that Oct. 22 brought, he also remembers people coming together to protect and support one another.

“And above all, we all remember the service and the sacrifice of those who stood guard, and those who rushed toward danger to save lives,” he said.

“That is what we remember today, and what we must never forget.”

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also thanked those who rushed to help Cirillo and the first responders.

“Conservatives will always fight for freedom over fear and light over darkness,” he said. “May the memories of these two men rededicate us to this essential mission.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.

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Blood In The Snow Film Festival Celebrates 13 Years!

Published

4 hours ago

October 22, 2024

Sasha Stoltz

Blood in the Snow FILM FESTIVAL

Celebrates

13 YEARS

“Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid”

Toronto, on – Blood in the Snow Film Festival (BITS), a unique and imaginative showcase of contemporary Canadian genre films are pleased to announce the popular Festival is back for its 13th exciting year. The highly anticipated Horror Film festival presented by Super Channel runs November 18th– 23rd at Toronto’s Isabel Bader Theatre. The successful, long running festival takes on many different faces this year that include Scary, Action Horror, Horror Comedy, Sci-Fi and Thrillers. Festival goers will be kept on the edge of their seats with this year’s powerful line-up.

Blood in the Snow Festival begins with the return of alumni (Wolf Cop) Lowell Dean’s action horror feature Dark Match featuring wrestling veteran Chris Jericho followed by the mysterious Hunting Mathew Nichols. The unexpected thrills continue with Blood in the Snow World Premiere of Pins and Needles and the Fantasia Best First Feature Award winner, Self Driver. The festival ends this year on a fun note with the Toronto Premiere of Scared Sh*tless (featuring Kids in the Hall’s Mark McKinney). Other titles include the horror anthology series Creepy Bits and Zoom call shock of Invited by Blood in the Snow alumni Navin Ramaswaran (Poor Agnes). The festival will also include five feature length short film programs including the festivals comedy horror program Funny Frights and Unusual Sights and the highly anticipated Dark Visions program, part of opening night festivities. Blood in the Snow Film Festival Director and Founder, Kelly Michael Stewart anticipates this year’s festival to be its strongest. “This was the first time in our 13 year history, all our programmers agreed on the exact same eight feature programs we have selected.”

Below is this year’s horror fest’s exciting lineup of features and shorts scheduled to screen, in-person at the Isabel Bader theatre.

**All festival features will be preceded by a short film and followed by a Q&A with filmmakers.

Tickets for the Isabel Bader Theatre lineup on sale now and can be purchased https://www.bloodinthesnow.ca

Super Channel is pleased to once again assume the role of Presenting Sponsor for the Blood in the Snow Film Festival. We extend our sincere appreciation to the entire BITS team for their unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of diverse filmmakers and providing a platform for the celebration of Canadian genre content. – Don McDonald, the CEO of Super Channel

Blood in the Snow Festival 2024 Full screening schedule:

Monday November 18th
7pm – Dark Visions

Shiva (13:29) dir. Josh Saltzman

Shiva is an unnerving tale about a recently widowed woman who breaks with a long-held Jewish mourning ritual in hopes of connecting with her deceased husband.

How to Stay Awake (5:30) dir. Vanessa Magic

A woman fights to stay awake, to avoid battling the terrifying realm of sleep paralysis, but as she risks everything to break free, will she be released from the grip of her nocturnal tormentor?

Pocket Princess (9:45) dir. Olivia Loccisano

A young girl must take part in a dangerous task in order to complete her doll collection in this miniature fairytale.

For Rent (10:33) dir. Michèle Kaye

In her new home, Donna unravels a sinister truth—her landlord is a demon with a dark appetite. As her family mysteriously vanishes, Donna confronts the demonic landlord, only to plunge into a shadowy game where the house hungers for more than just occupants. An ominous cycle begins, shrouded in mystery.

Lucy’s Birthday (9:29) dir. Peter Sreckovic

A father struggles to enjoy his young daughter’s birthday despite a series of strange and disturbing disruptions.

Parasitic (10:00) dir. Ryan M Andrews

Last call at a dive bar, a writer struggling to find his voice gets more than he bargains for.

Naualli (6:00) dir. Adrian Gonzalez de la Pena

A grieving man seeks revenge, unwittingly awakening a mystical creature known as the Nagual.

The Saint and The Bear (6:34) dir. Dallas R Soonias

Two strangers cross paths on an ominous park bench.

The Sorrow (13:00) dir. Thomas Affolter

A retired army general and his live-in nurse find they are not alone in a house filled with dark secrets.

Cadabra (6:00) dir. Tiffany Wice

An amateur magician receives more than he anticipated when he purchases a cursed hat from the estate of his deceased hero.

9:30 – Dark Match dir. Lowell Dean Horror / Action

A small time WRESTLING COMPANY accepts a well-paying but too good to be true gig.

Tuesday November 19th
7pm – Mournful Mediums

Night Lab (15:00) dir. Andrew Ellinas

When a mysterious package arrives from one of the lab’s field research stations, a promising young researcher uncovers a conspiracy against her masterminded by her jealous boss. She soon finds herself having to grapple with her conscience before making a life-or-death decision.

Dirty Bad Wrong (14:40) dir. Erica Orofino

Desperate to keep her promise to host the best superhero party for her 6-year-old, young mother Sid, a sex worker, takes extreme measures and books a last-minute client with a dark fetish.

Midnight at the lonely river (17:00) dir. Abraham Cote

When the lights go out at a seedy little motel bar, at the crossroads of a seedy little town, nefarious happenings are taking place, and three predators are enacting their evil deeds. Enter Vicky, a drifter who quickly realizes what’s happening right under everyone’s nose. After midnight, In the shadows of this dim establishment, evil begets evil, and the predator becomes the prey.

Mean Ends (14:58) dir. Émile Lavoie

A buried body, a missing sister and an inquisitive neighbour makes for a hell of an evening. And the sun isn’t close to settling on Eric’s sh*tty day.

Stuffy (18:26) dir. Dan Nicholls

A young couple sets off in the middle of the night to bury their kid’s stuffed bunny, as one of them is convinced that the stuffy might be cursed.

Dungeon of Death (18:33) dir. Brian P. Rowe

Torturer Raullin loves a work challenge, especially if that challenge involves hurting people to extract information from them.

9:30 – Hunting Matthew Nichols (96 mins) dir. Markian Tarasiuk

Twenty-three years after her brother mysteriously disappeared, a documentary filmmaker sets out to solve his missing person’s case. But when a disturbing piece of evidence is revealed, she comes to believe that her brother might still be alive.

w/ short: Josephine (6:15) dir. John Francis Bregar

A man haunted by his past seeks forgiveness from his deceased wife, but a session with two spirit mediums leads to an unsettling encounter.

Wednesday November 20th
7pm – BITS and BYTES

Ezra (10:57) dirs. Luke Hutchie, Mike Mildon, Marianna Phung

After fleeing the dark and demonic chains of his shadowy old home, Ezra, a killer gay vampire, takes a leap of faith and enters the modern world.

Head Shop (18:14 episode 1-3) dir. Namaï Kham Po

In a post-apocalyptic world, Anna’s life and work are dominated by her father Sylvestre, a short-tempered mechanic with a terrible reputation for tearing the head off anyone who dares cross him. He decides that she’s old enough to follow in his footsteps, much to her dismay. To prove herself, she must now decapitate her first victim. Can she find a way to defy fate?

D dot H (18 :15 episodes 1-2) dirs. Meegwun Fairbrother, Mary Galloway

Struggling artist Doug is visited by the beautiful and enigmatic H, who claims he holds the power to visiting “inconceivable places.” Still half-asleep, Doug is shocked when H vanishes suddenly and her doppelganger, Hannah, strides past.

Creepy Bits: “Last Sonata” (21:08) dir.

Adrian Bobb, Ashlea Wessel, David J. Fernandes, Sid Zanforlin and Kelly Paoli.

Set among forests, lakes, and small towns, Creepy Bits is a horror anthology series helmed by five innovative filmmakers exploring themes of human vs. nature, the invasion and destruction of the natural world by outsiders, and isolation within a vast, eerie landscape that is not afraid to fight back.

Tales from the Void: “Whistle in the Woods” (24:36) dir. Francesco Loschiavo

Horror anthology TV series based on stories from r/NoSleep. Each tale blends genre thrills & social commentary exploring the dark side of the human psyche.

9:30 – Self Driver dir. Michael Pierro Thriller

Facing mounting expenses and the unrelenting pressure of modern living, a down-on-his-luck cab driver is lured on to a mysterious new app that promises fast, easy money. As his first night on the job unfolds, he is pulled ever deeper into the dark underbelly of society, embarking on a journey that will test his moral code and shake his understanding of what it means to have freewill. The question becomes not how much money he can make, but what he’ll be compelled to do to make it.

w/ short: Northern Escape (10:38) dirs. Lucy Sanci, Alexis Korotash

A couple on a cottage getaway tries to work on their relationship but ends up getting more than they bargained for when they discover something sinister lurking beneath the surface.

Thursday November 21st
7pm – Funny Frights

Midnight Snack (1:41) dir. Sandra Foisy

Hunger always strikes in the dead of night.

Hell is a Teenage Girl (15:00) dir. Stephen Sawchuk

Every Halloween, the small town of Springboro is terrorized by its resident SLASHER – a masked serial killer who targets sinful teenagers that break ‘The Rules of Horror’ – don’t drink, don’t do drugs, and don’t have sex!

Gaslit (10:36) dir. Anna MacLean

A woman goes to dangerous lengths to prove she wasn’t responsible for a fart.

Bath Bomb (9:55) dir. Colin G Cooper

A possessive doctor prepares an ostensibly romantic bath for his narcissistic boyfriend, but after an accusation of infidelity, things take a deeply disturbing turn.

Any Last Words (14:22) dir. Isaac Rathé

A crook trying to flee town is paid an untimely visit by some of his former colleagues. What would you say to save your life if you were staring down the barrel of a gun?

Papier mâché (4:30) dir. Simon Madore

A whimsical depiction of the hard and tumultuous life of a piñata.

The Living Room (9:59) dir. Joslyn Rogers

After an unexpected call from Lady Luck, Ms. Valentine must choose between her sanity and her winnings – all before the jungle consumes her.

A Divine Comedy: What the Hell (8:55) dir. Valerie Lee Barnhart
Dante’s classic Hell is falling into oblivion. Charlotte,

sharp-witted Harpy, navigates the chaos and sets out despite the odds for a new life and destiny.

Mr Fuzz (2:30) dir. Christopher Walsh

A long-limbed, fuzzy-haired creature will do whatever it takes to keep you watching his show.

Out of the Hands of the Wicked (5:00) dirs. Luke Sargent, Benjamin Hackman

After a harrowing journey home from hell, old Pa boasts of his triumph over evil, and how he came to lock the devil in his heart.

The Shitty Ride (9:13) dir. Cole Doran

Hoping to impress the girl of his dreams, Cole buys a used car but gets more than he bargained for with his shitty ride.

9:30 – Invited dir. Navin Ramaswaran Horror

When a reluctant mother attends her daughter’s Zoom elopement, she and the rest of the family in attendance quickly realize the groom is part of a Russian cult with deadly intentions.

w/ shorts: Defile dir. Brian Sepanzyk

A couple’s secluded getaway is suddenly interrupted by a strange family who exposes them to the horrors that lie beyond the tree line.

+ A Mother’s Love dir. Lisa Ovies

A young girl deals with the consequences of trusting someone online.

Friday November 22nd
7:00 pm – Creepy Bits (anthology horror series)

Creepy Bits is a short horror anthology series that explores pandemic age themes of isolation, paranoia and distrust of authority, serving them up in bite-sized chunks. Directed by Adrian Bobb, Ashlea Wessel, David J. Fernandes, Sid Zanforlin and Kelly Paoli.

9:30 – Pins and Needles (81 min) dir. James Villeneuve Horror / Thriller

Follows Max, a diabetic, biology grad student who is entrapped in a devilish new-age wellness experiment and must escape a lethal game of cat and mouse to avoid becoming the next test subject to extend the lives of the rich and privileged.

w/ short: Adjoining (11:42) dirs. Harrison Houde, Dakota Daulby

A couple’s motel stay takes a chilling turn when they discover they’re being observed, leading to unexpected consequences.

Saturday November 23rd
4pm – Emerging Screams (94 mins)

Apnea (14:58) dir. David Matheson

A single, working mother finds her career and her offbeat son’s safety in jeopardy when she discovers that her late mother is possessing her in her sleep.

Nereid (7:48) dir. Lori Zozzolotto

A mysterious woman escapes from an abusive relationship with earth shattering results.

BedLamer (15:00) dir. Alexa Jane Jerrett

On the shores of a small fishing village lives a lonely settlement of men – capturing and domesticating otherworldly creatures that were never meant to be tamed.

Blocked (6:30) dir. Aisha Alfa

A new mom is literally consumed with the futility of cleaning up after her kid.

Dance of the Faery (10:23) dir. Kaela Brianna Egert

A young woman cleans up her estranged, great aunt’s home after her death. Upon inspection, she soon realizes that her eccentric obsession with fairies was not born out of love, but of fear.

Deep End (7:36) dir. Juan Pablo Saenz

A gay couple’s heated argument during a hike spiral into a nightmare when one of them vanishes, leading the other to a mysterious cave that could reveal the chilling truth.

Ojichaag – Spirit Within (11:21) dir. Rachel Beaulieu

An emotionally devastated woman seeks comfort in her choice to end her life. As she faces death in the form of a spirit, she must decide to let herself go to fight to stay alive.

Lure (9.56) dir. Jacob Phair

A tormented father awaits the return of the man who saved his son’s life.

Let Me In (10:00) dirs. Joel Buxton, Charles Smith

A reluctant man interviews an unusual immigration candidate: himself from a doomed dimension

7:00 pm –The Silent Planet (95 mins) dir. Jeffrey St. Jules Sci-fi

An aging convict serving out a life sentence alone on a distant planet is forced to confront his past when a new prisoner shows up and pushes him to remember his life on earth

w/ short: Ascension (3:57) dir. Kenzie Yango

Deep in a remote forest, two friends, Mia and Riley, embark on a leisurely hike. As tensions run high between the two, a strange humming noise appears that seems to be coming from somewhere in the woods.

9:30 – Scared Shitless (73 mins) dir. Vivieno Caldinelli Horror / Comedy

A plumber and his germophobic son are forced to get their hands dirty to save the residents of an apartment building, when a genetically engineered, blood-thirsty creature escapes into the plumbing system.

w/ short: Oh…Canada (6:20) dir. Vincenzo Nappi

Oh, Canada. Such a wonderful place to live – WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT. A musical look into the artifice surrounding Canadian identity.

Tickets for the Isabel Bader Theatre lineup on sale now and can be purchased https://www.bloodinthesnow.ca/#festival

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