Yesterday the Expert Panel to the Thunder Bay Police Services Board delivered the “Building Trust Through Bold Action Roadmap for Real Change: Final Report of the Independent Expert Panel to the Thunder Bay Police Services Board April 2023”.

City of Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff welcomes the report, noting that the advice of external experts can guide meaningful transformation. The report includes a summary of comprehensive and meaningful community engagement that reflects the issues that exist in our community.

“These matters are particularly distressing for historically marginalized Indigenous people, and impact all of us. Community members want and deserve a police service they can trust,” said Mayor Boshcoff.

It is immediately evident that the report includes Action Proposals that are consistent with City of Thunder priorities. “I am pleased to see a call for funding from other levels of government. This aligns with our advocacy for funding that recognizes our city as a regional hub is necessary in order to enhance services to meet residents’ needs,” Boshcoff noted. Funding is needed to address gaps in social services and housing, which fall under the responsibility of the province and contribute to the high demand for police and other emergency responses.

City Manager Norm Gale will complete a thorough review of the Action Proposals that involve the City of Thunder Bay to develop recommendations to City Council as necessary. “I expect the report will help to guide our journey to reconciliation. This is a priority to which we are deeply committed,” said Gale. 

 

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Contact:       Stacey Levanen, Supervisor – Corporate Communications & Community Engagement, 625-3650