NS RCMP to issue apology to African Nova Scotians for historical use of street checks

The Nova Scotia RCMP is planning to make a formal apology to African Nova Scotians over the historical use of street checks and other interactions they say have had a negative impact on the community.

The Nova Scotia RCMP is planning to make a formal apology to African Nova Scotians over the historical use of street checks and other interactions they say have had a negative impact on the community.

The RCMP says the organization will hold more than a dozen consultation sessions in African Nova Scotia communities across the province, the first of which took place Monday night in Gibson Woods.

"I know this apology is long overdue. And I acknowledge a lot of work needs to be done to start to rebuild the fractured relationship with the community," says Assistant Commissioner Dennis Daley, Commanding Officer of the Nova Scotia RCMP, in a news release Tuesday.

"That's why it's especially important we hear from those who will be affected by the apology; we need to get the apology right and pursue systemic change."

The goal of the sessions is to create an action plan, which will follow the apology.

"To ensure the upcoming apology – and the actions that follow – are meaningful, I've established a steering committee to provide guidance and support," says Assistant Commissioner Daley.

"The members' expertise and leadership will help us reconcile with the Black community, with the hope of building back trust."