Submission on the Police Act
On April 30, 2021 West Coast LEAF made a written submission to the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act. After public outcry over systemic discrimination in policing, there has been a groundswell of demand for change. The BC Legislature has appointed the Special Committee to make recommendations on reforming policing throughout the province.
We are urging the Special Committee to prioritize substantive equality by addressing the distinct needs of, and calls for action by, those communities that have been disproportionately harmed by law enforcement and excluded from police protection.
We recognize the profound risks and harms that bias in police conduct creates for people who experience systemic injustices, including Indigenous, Black, and racialized people, migrants, people with mental health issues, people who use drugs, and people who have experienced gender-based violence.
We invite any comments and questions about our submissions to help inform our advocacy on the future of policing in BC. Please consider filling out our feedback form, which will remain open until May 16, 2021.