NDP will fully ban street checks in Nova Scotia

Halifax - Today, NDP Leader Gary Burrill and NDP Preston candidate Colter Simmonds spoke with Quentrel Provo about the impact police street checks have on people and the lack of Liberal action on implementing the recommendations of the Human Rights Commission Street Check Report.

“The Liberals promised to ban street checks but we hear from real people who tell us street checks still happen on a regular basis,” said Burrill. “We have reached a moment in time where people deserve clear and decisive action to end the unfair and racist practice of street checks.”

In March 2019, the Human Rights Commission’s Street Check Report overwhelmingly confirmed what African Nova Scotians have been saying for decades: street checks are an instance of systemic racism and need to stop.

"I'm running so that I can amplify the pain our community feels every time our issues are put on the backburner. We deserve something better,” said Simmonds.

Street check data showed that Black people in Halifax were six times more likely to be street checked by police than white people.

“The current government said they would put an end to street checks after the apology by HRP Chief in 2019, but I haven’t seen any change happen in our communities,” said Provo. “I bought a new Mercedes in Sept 2020 and have been profiled about 4 times since then as young black man driving a nice car. People are living regular lives, yet are still being stopped and questioned by police because of the suspicious activity loophole, it’s not what was promised and it’s been very frustrating. We need change.”

An NDP government will immediately end street checks, including the “suspicious activity” exception, so that all people can live in their communities without fear of unfair interaction with police, and will fully implement all recommendations from the Street Check Report in the spirit in which they were recommended and report publicly on their progress.

“African Nova Scotians face barriers in housing, employment, education, justice, health care and more. Communities are tired of talk. The NDP will work collaboratively to create a fair and inclusive society,” said Burrill.

Burrill will spend the morning campaigning in Preston.

-30-