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Black RCMP Officers Speak Out on Systemic Racism

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12 months ago

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In a historic and courageous move, several Black officers serving within the ranks of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have chosen to step into the spotlight and shine a searing light on their daily ordeals of enduring racism “on a regular basis.” Their testimonies reveal the deep-seated systemic issues lurking within the RCMP, casting a long-overdue spotlight on diversity, equity, and inclusivity issues plaguing one of Canada’s most iconic institutions.

The RCMP, often lauded as a symbol of Canadian law enforcement and integrity, has come under growing scrutiny in recent years due to allegations of systemic racism and discrimination within its ranks. Now, Black officers, risking their careers and livelihoods, have decided to break their silence and share their deeply personal experiences of adversity within the force.

One officer, who has chosen to remain anonymous due to the fear of reprisal, revealed the emotional toll that comes with “being treated differently because of the color of my skin.” They recounted numerous instances of racially charged comments and microaggressions encountered during their tenure. “Every day feels like an uphill battle,” they said.

Another officer, similarly choosing anonymity, detailed how racial profiling has consistently plagued their interactions with the public and fellow officers. “I shouldn’t have to prove I belong here,” they remarked, emphasizing the exhaustion that accompanies the constant need to assert their right to serve without discrimination.

The personal accounts shared by these officers shed a glaring light on systemic issues that reach far beyond individual biases. They highlight the urgent need for comprehensive structural changes within the RCMP to tackle racial bias and discrimination at its roots. These experiences underscore the gravity of the problem, not just within the RCMP but across the broader law enforcement landscape in Canada.

A recent study by public safety found that 87% of Black RCMP officers reported experiencing racial profiling and discrimination in the line of duty, a figure that has sparked serious concerns about the scope and scale of the issue.

The decision of these officers to break their silence is not just an act of bravery but also a fervent plea for accountability and change. Their voices have been joined by an array of advocacy groups, community leaders, and prominent figures, who are now demanding transparent investigations and swift actions from both the RCMP and the federal government.

Prominent civil rights activist stated, “The time for cosmetic changes is over. We need concrete and transformative action to root out systemic racism from our law enforcement institutions.”

In response to these allegations, the RCMP has publicly acknowledged the concerns raised by the officers and their allies. Former Commissioner Brenda Lucki released a statement expressing a firm commitment to addressing systemic racism within the organization.

The RCMP has already initiated various diversity and inclusion programs, including mandatory unconscious bias training for all officers and efforts to actively recruit individuals from underrepresented communities. Former Commissioner Brenda Lucki added, “We are resolute in our determination to create an environment that is inclusive and free from discrimination.”

The stories shared by Black RCMP officers serve as a stark and sobering reminder that systemic racism can permeate even those institutions charged with upholding justice and equality. They also underscore the critical importance of continued dialogue, education, and systemic reforms to ensure that every member of Canada’s diverse society is treated fairly and equitably.

As these officers courageously break their silence and demand justice, they are challenging not only the RCMP but the broader law enforcement community to confront their shortcomings and work tirelessly towards a future where no one, regardless of their background, has to endure racism in the line of duty. Their voices mark a pivotal moment in Canada’s ongoing journey towards greater inclusivity and social justice.

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Sixth-ranked Canadian women to face World Cup champion Spain in October friendly

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September 17, 2024

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The sixth-ranked Canadian women will face World Cup champion Spain in an international friendly next month.

Third-ranked Spain will host Canada on Oct. 25 at Estadio Francisco de la Hera in Almendralejo.

The game will be the first for the Canadian women since the Paris Olympics, where they lost to Germany in a quarterfinal penalty shootout after coach Bev Priestman was sent home and later suspended for a year by FIFA over her part in Canada’s drone-spying scandal.

In announcing the Spain friendly, Canada Soccer said more information on the interim women’s coaching staff for the October window will come later. Assistant coach Andy Spence took charge of the team in Priestman’s absence at the Olympics.

Spain finished fourth in Paris, beaten 1-0 by Germany in the bronze-medal match.

Canada is winless in three previous meetings (0-2-1) with Spain, most recently losing 1-0 at the Arnold Clark Cup in England in February 2022.

The teams played to a scoreless draw in May 2019 in Logroñés, Spain in a warm-up for the 2019 World Cup. Spain won 1-0 in March 2019 at the Algarve Cup in São João da Venda, Portugal.

Spain is a powerhouse in the women’s game these days.

It won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2022 and was runner-up in 2018. And it ousted Canada 2-1 in the round of 16 of the current U-20 tournament earlier this month in Colombia before falling 1-0 to Japan after extra time in the quarterfinal.

Spain won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2018 and 2022 and has finished on the podium on three other occasions.

FC Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati (2023) and Alexia Putellas (2021 and ’22) have combined to win the last three Women’s Ballon d’Or awards.

And Barcelona has won three of the last four UEFA Women’s Champions League titles.

“We continue to strive to diversify our opponent pool while maintaining a high level of competition.” Daniel Michelucci, Canada Soccer’s director of national team operations, said in a statement. “We anticipate a thrilling encounter, showcasing two of the world’s top-ranked teams.”

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024

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Former Oilers assistant GM Brad Holland follows his father out the door in Edmonton

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1 hour ago

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September 17, 2024

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EDMONTON – The NHL’s Edmonton Oilers announced Tuesday that assistant general manager Brad Holland is leaving the club.

The move comes almost three months after the departure of former Oilers general manager Ken Holland, Brad’s father.

Oilers chief executive officer and president of hockey operations Jeff Jackson said in a statement that Brad Holland and the team parted ways so Holland could “explore other opportunities.”

Holland, 43, joined the Oilers as a scout in 2019. He was promoted to assistant GM in July 2022.

He had a hand in building the team that advanced to Game 7 of the 2023-24 Stanley Cup final before losing to the Florida Panthers.

The Oilers hired former Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman to replace Ken Holland on July 1.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.

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Dolphins place Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve after latest concussion, AP source says

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1 hour ago

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September 17, 2024

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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins are placing Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve after the quarterback was diagnosed with his third concussion in two years, a person familiar with the move told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not yet announced the move. Tagovailoa will be sidelined for at least four games with the designation.

He was hurt in the third quarter of a Thursday night game against the Buffalo Bills on a play where he collided with Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin. He ran for a first down and then initiated the contact by lowering his shoulder into Hamlin instead of sliding.

Players from both teams immediately motioned that Tagovailoa was hurt, and as he lay on the turf the quarterback exhibited some signs typically associated with a traumatic brain injury. He remained down on the field for a couple of minutes, got to his feet and walked to the sideline.

Tagovailoa this week began the process of consulting neurologists about his health. He was diagnosed with two concussions in 2022 and one while in college at Alabama.

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