The Ford government has introduced legislation to streamline investigations by the body that oversees police in Ontario.
Saying it will restore respect for police officers, the government said the legislation would create the new Community Safety and Police Act. It would repeal and replace three other pieces of legislation aimed at providing police oversight along with Bill 175.
"Bill 175 was the most anti-police piece of legislation in Canadian history," said Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Sylvia Jones. "It was a disaster. It actively undermined policing efforts. And, it undermined public confidence and trust in the work police do."
The Special Investigations Unit would still be called in to investigate any incident involving officers resulting in serious injury, sexual assault, or death, but it has to wrap up its probe within 120 days.
A release from the Ford government said it would, "streamline the SIU investigation process, which forced many police officers to labour under months, or years-long investigations."
Ontario Attorney General Caroline Mulroney in Blyth on Thursday, March 8, 2018. (Photo by Bob Montgomery)
Attorney General Caroline Mulroney said the bill would maintain oversight but in a balanced and respectful way.
"[It] will focus investigative resources where they are needed, on criminal activity, within a police oversight system that will ultimately help build safer communities," said Mulroney.
The new legislation would also create one window for public complaints, but would not end so-called "street checks" where officers are allowed to stop anyone they suspect of criminal activity.
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, Ontario Association of Police Services Boards, Police Association of Ontario, and Ontario Provincial Police Association all had praise for the proposed changes.
"Unfortunately, challenges in the current legislation make it more difficult for the police to do their jobs," responded the president and CEO of the Ontario Provincial Police Association, Rob Jamieson. "The changes proposed by the government today intend to empower police across Ontario to ensure community safety. We look forward to reviewing details of the bill and participating in the legislative process."