The North Bay Police Service says they support peaceful protests in the City ahead of this weekend’s Black Lives Matter marches.
“I am aware of the planned protests in North Bay this weekend,” said Chief Scott Tod. “The police support the right to peacefully protest in the city of North Bay. Members of the North Bay Police Service have liaised with the organizers of the events and offered police assistance if desired, and our support to their message.”
“The organizers have assured the police they will encourage safe public hygiene practices during their protest and will encourage participants to wear appropriate protective equipment,” he continued. “The North Bay Police Service will provide public safety assistance to the protesters and other members of the public.”
As for the current landscape in the United States, Tod condemned the actions taken by police officers.
“Like other police officers and members of our communities I too am shocked and outright condemn the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis,” he said. “I offer sincere condolences to the family of Mr. George and am appalled at what I have observed about the death of Mr. George and the actions of the former officers of the Minneapolis Police department. There is no place for racism within policing.”
“Racism in any form is unacceptable and a disgrace to our profession,” Tod added. “As professionals, we have sworn an oath to uphold the laws of Canada including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that is prominent in our Constitution as the law of our nation. Those human rights are absolute in their description and well-defined for our profession. We must at all times remain committed that in our practices and pursuits as a police service we abide by, and respect, the rights of all human beings.”
