October 12, 2006
Ontario First Nations respond to appointment of new OPP Commissioner

October 13, 2006 – Yesterday the province of Ontario announced the appointment of Julian Fantino as the next Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The Chiefs in Ontario are disappointed that the views of First Nations were not considered in the selection process, and remain hopeful that Commissioner Fantino will continue to support efforts to enhance the relationship between First Nations and the OPP initiated under the tenure of former Commissioner Boniface.

Under the auspices of the Ipperwash Inquiry, the relationship between First Nations and the OPP was closely examined. First Nations and the OPP have begun discussions on a process to continue building trust and understanding. It is anticipated that the Ipperwash Inquiry will call on all levels of government to enhance relationships with First Nations, on the basis of mutual understanding and respect for values.

Currently, the OPP provide services to 39 First Nation communities, as well as specialized services to First Nation self-directed services across the province. “The OPP play a lead role in the policing of First Nation people and communities throughout the province of Ontario, the appointment of a new Commissioner to the OPP directly affects our communities,” stated Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse.

On September 1, 2006, the Chiefs of Ontario wrote to Minister Kwinter with regard to this matter and requested that the province of Ontario be transparent in the selection process. Additionally, the letter articulated a reasonable request for the establishment of a First Nation Committee to advise those selecting the new Commissioner. Regional Chief Toulouse was disappointed to learn that the province selected a new Commissioner without properly engaging the First Nation population.

The Regional Chief expressed disappointment in the response provided by Minister David Ramsay, provided under questioning by Gilles Bisson – MPP for Timmins-James Bay, in the Ontario Legislature on October 5, 2006 with regard to the lack of consultation with First Nations on the selection of the new Commissioner. Regional Chief Toulouse indicated that Minister Ramsay is well aware that discussions about the development of a consultation process with First Nations are at a very preliminary stage and do not have an impact on this particular situation. He stated “This was an opportunity for Ontario to demonstrate the sincerity of their commitment to developing a more positive and effective relationship with First Nations by ensuring a dialogue took place with First Nations prior to the appointment of the new Commissioner. The fact is, the selection of a new OPP Commissioner will have a profound impact on the service and treatment First Nations people in this province receive from the OPP”.

The Regional Chief noted that the OPP started to make good progress in the past ten years under the leadership of outgoing OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface in building trust between First Nations and the OPP. Regional Chief Toulouse stated “respect and understanding formed the basis for the strong relationship developed between First Nation leadership and former OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface. I would like to express my appreciation to the outgoing Commissioner for the leadership she demonstrated and for the respectful approach she put into practice in addressing First Nation concerns.” 

The Chiefs in Ontario are hopeful that Commissioner Fantino will approach First Nations in the same respectful manner. Regional Chief Toulouse said “I am looking forward to beginning a dialogue with Commissioner Fantino at the earliest opportunity. It is vital that we continue the positive work initiated by Commissioner Boniface to strengthen the relationship between First Nations and the OPP.”

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For more information please contact:

Pam Hunter
Policy/Communications Advisor
Chiefs of Ontario
mobile: 613-203-3233
office: 905-683-0322