From: Ministerial Correspondence Unit - Justice Canada <mcu@justice.gc.ca>
Date: Tue, Nov 26, 2024 at 5:19 PM
Subject: Automatic Reply
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
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From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Nov 26, 2024 at 5:18 PM
Subject: IMHO CBC Should finally investigate themselves
To: lindapatterson100@gmail.com <lindapatterson100@gmail.com>, <l.whalley@svnb.ca>, Hans.Ouellette <Hans.Ouellette@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, Mark.Blakely <Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, <ps.ministerofpublicsafety-ministredelasecuritepublique.sp@ps-sp.gc.ca>, robert.gauvin <robert.gauvin@gnb.ca>, robert.mckee <robert.mckee@gnb.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, <a.marks@svnb.ca>
Cc: karissa.donkin <karissa.donkin@cbc.ca>
Complaints raise concerns about how N.B. RCMP handled some allegations of sexual violence
RCMP says it has worked on improving training, investigation after 2017 review identified ‘deficiencies’
Police and Public Trust, a project of the CBC News Atlantic investigative unit, scrutinizes the largely off-limits police complaint and discipline systems across the region. Journalists are using access to information laws and, in some cases, court challenges to obtain discipline records and data.
Three years ago, an RCMP constable from the Moncton area was accused of belittling and laughing at a woman while taking her complaint of sexual assault.
That same year, another complaint came in from the Oromocto area, from someone who felt a sexual abuse investigation involving her daughter was inadequate. She also said they weren't kept up to date on its status.
The RCMP found neither complaint to be substantiated, but they are examples of more than 30 allegations from members of the public about how RCMP officers in New Brunswick investigated complaints of sexual violence.
CBC Investigates obtained eight years' worth of complaints about how the RCMP investigated a range of crimes, totalling more than 2,600 allegations made against the RCMP.
The data was obtained through access to information as part of CBC's ongoing Police and Public Trust project, which takes the public inside the often-opaque systems of police complaints and discipline across Atlantic Canada.
CBC reviewed more than 2,600 allegations about RCMP officers in New Brunswick. Half of those were found to be unsupported. (Photo illustration: Duk Han Lee/CBC)
Of the more than 2,600 allegations made against the RCMP, only three per cent were found to be supported. Half were found to be unsupported, 17 per cent were resolved informally and 16 per cent were withdrawn. Some were still under investigation when the data was sent to CBC.
Another complaint, from the Sackville area in 2018, was resolved informally after a woman said she was yelled at by an RCMP sergeant over the phone "when she tried to inquire as to why her sexual assault complaint was concluded without charges being laid." She also said the RCMP failed to do a thorough investigation into her case.
Andie Marks works with Sexual Violence New Brunswick as an advocate for people who have experienced sexual violence. She works with the RCMP to review their sexual violence case files on a quarterly basis, and said she hopes the complaints made against the RCMP will help everyone do better.
"I think all of those complaints are things that will hopefully then allow the RCMP to put in place things so that they don't happen anymore, and that we can also support them in that work," said Marks, who is Sexual Violence New Brunswick's justice lead.
Increased training
There were 2,168 sexual assaults and 1,138 "other sexual violations" reported to the RCMP between 2018 and 2022, according to the provincial government's crime dashboard.
Nearly 47 per cent of the sexual assault charges and 55.5 per cent of the "other sexual violations" were "cleared." That means police charged someone, recommended a charge against someone, or had enough information to lay or recommend a charge but didn't for a variety of reasons, such as the death of a witness.
In recent years, the RCMP rolled out a course for sexual offence investigators that is mandatory for front-line officers across Canada, according to New Brunswick RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Hans Ouellette.
Cpl. Hans Ouellette is the spokesperson for the New Brunswick RCMP. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
The force still doesn't have 100 per cent of its officers trained in the specialized skills needed to interview victims. But as of October, 61 per cent of the RCMP's workforce in the province had taken the course, including 86 per cent of front-line officers.
"We really want to ensure that the public understands that with the advancement in our protocols, the advancement in our training and all that, that the RCMP is there to listen," Ouellette said. "We will hear you, and we will believe you."
Forty officers are trained specifically to interview children who have experienced sexual violence.
Another training course focuses on offering a trauma-informed response, which is delivered by Sexual Violence New Brunswick.
Beyond training, Ouellette pointed to a guidebook designed for front-line investigators, and the hiring of a co-ordinator who oversees the response to sexual violence cases across the province.
That person sits on many committees, co-ordinates with the committee that reviews sexual assault investigation case files "and ensures that we continue to support victims and survivors of sexual assault and to really hone in on what are the trends, what is occurring and how we can better support our victims," Ouellette said.
WATCH | Police and public trust: How the RCMP investigate complaints of sexual violence:
Hearing about the 2021 complaint, where a woman alleged that an officer belittled and laughed at her, was "disheartening," he added.
"I'm really sad to hear that individuals have had that type of experience because it's definitely, definitely not in connection with the values that the RCMP and especially the values of RCMP members here in the division [have]."
Review found shortcomings
The changes come after a 2017 review found problems with the way the New Brunswick RCMP investigated sexual violence. It was prompted by a national investigation by the Globe & Mail into unfounded sexual assault cases.
The New Brunswick RCMP's review found that very few of its members — 52 out of more than 800 — had specialized training to investigate sexual violence. Even fewer were trained to interview children, often leaving that task to staff with the provincial Department of Social Development.
"Investigators would be better prepared to interact with persons who have experienced trauma and have a better understanding of the mind and [body's] reaction to trauma situations, such as gaps in memories or missing details in their recollection of events," the report said about the need for more training.
The review also found a lack of documentation, problems with interview techniques and a lack of witness statements. The review examined cases from 2011 through 2016.
In the report's conclusion, the RCMP acknowledged "deficiencies" uncovered by the review, and vowed to make changes.
But in 2022, the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission, which handles complaints about the RCMP, noted there had been 43 "adverse findings" in sexual assault cases involving the RCMP across Canada since 2019. A CBC analysis of those findings found RCMP officers still struggling to take allegations of sexual assault seriously and struggling with issues involving consent.
Two years later, a statement from the commission says its work "directly impacted" some of the improvements the RCMP has made to how it handles sexual assault cases, including the creation of a national sexual assault investigation course, changes to national policy around sexual assault investigations, and the creation of a best practices guide.
Advocate calls for expansion of case review committee
Complaints like the ones reviewed by CBC are the kind of incidents that Sexual Violence New Brunswick is working to stop.
Much of the organization's work is about reducing what it calls secondary wounding for people who have experienced sexual violence. Those early conversations with police are "monumental," Marks said.
Andie
Marks is the justice lead with Sexual Violence New Brunswick and works
with the RCMP on training and case review. She'd like to see an
expansion of the committee that reviews cases. (Edwin Hunter/CBC)
"Even if there isn't a conviction or even if there isn't charges laid, if a survivor is treated well by the actors within the criminal justice system, if they feel listened to, if they feel believed, if they feel as though a thorough investigation was done or that the officer or whoever other person did everything they could in the context of that file — often survivors will tell us that it was still a very challenging experience, but they felt as though they got the shot at justice that they were looking for."
Since the review in 2017, Marks said, she's found an "increased openness" from the New Brunswick RCMP to work with organizations like hers.
That could be through training or it could be through regular reviews of case files, which have sometimes led to cases being reopened after advocates have examined them.
She said it has also led to policy changes, such as creating more soft interview rooms that feel more comfortable, and moving away from using what are called KGB statements as the default when interviewing survivors. KGB statements are videotaped statements that typically include a warning about the consequences of making a false statement, which Marks said can be difficult to hear for a survivor who is afraid no one will believe them.
Marks would like to see an expansion of the committee that reviews those cases, so every survivor who wants to have their case reviewed can do so.
She would also like to see more sexual violence co-ordinators hired and spread throughout the province.
"Rural policing looks very different than urban policing, and so I think that the folks who are providing that mentorship and review need to be able to recognize what those unique aspects are," she said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
From: Holt, Susan Premier (PO/CPM) <Susan.Holt@gnb.ca>
Date: Mon, Nov 4, 2024 at 11:43 AM
Subject: Automatic reply: Premier Susan Holt and her new cabinet know some folks have a long memory and keep good records as well EH Ian Lee?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Thank you for your email. This account receives a high volume of emails. Thank you for your patience as our team prepares a response.
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Merci pour votre courriel. Ce compte reçoit un grand volume de courriels. Nous vous remercions de votre patience pendant que notre équipe prépare une réponse.
From: Bockus, Kathy (LEG) <Kathy.Bockus@gnb.ca>
Date: Mon, Nov 4, 2024 at 11:43 AM
Subject: Automatic reply: Premier Susan Holt and her new cabinet know some folks have a long memory and keep good records as well EH Ian Lee?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Mon, Nov 4, 2024 at 11:44 AM
Subject: Automatic reply: Premier Susan Holt and her new cabinet know some folks have a long memory and keep good records as well EH Ian Lee?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Thank you for contacting the Honourable Rob Moore, P.C., M.P. office. We appreciate the time you took to get in touch with our office.
If you did not already, please ensure to include your full contact details on your email and the appropriate staff will be able to action your request. We strive to ensure all constituent correspondence is responded to in a timely manner.
If your question or concern is time sensitive, please call our office: 506-832-4200.
Again, we thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and concerns.
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Office of the Honourable Rob Moore, P.C., M.P.
Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal
From: <info@votefaytene.ca>
Date: Sun, Oct 13, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Subject: Auto: RE PC Faytene won't discuss 'security concerns' that caused event's cancellation
To: <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Thank you for your message. It is important to us. One of our volunteers will review and respond to you as soon as possible.
We are serving a high volume of emails and calls right now, but hope to respond within 24 hours. Thank you for your patience and support.
If you are looking for information on where to vote, please click here: https://www.votefaytene.ca/
For information on Faytene's candidacy and policies please visit: https://www.votefaytene.ca/
Thank you so much.
- Team Faytene / PCNB - Hampton-Fundy-St. Martins
E: info@votefaytene.ca
P: 506-522-8880
From: Chrystia Freeland <Chrystia.Freeland@fin.gc.ca>
Date: Sun, Oct 13, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: RE PC Faytene won't discuss 'security concerns' that caused event's cancellation
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
The
Department of Finance acknowledges receipt of your electronic
correspondence. Please be assured that we appreciate receiving your
comments.
Le ministère des Finances Canada accuse réception de votre courriel. Nous vous assurons que vos commentaires sont les bienvenus.
---------- Original message ---------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
To: "info@votefaytene.ca" <info@votefaytene.ca>; blaine.higgs <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>; Mark.Blakely <mark.blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>; "james@jsmklaw.ca" <james@jsmklaw.ca>; "info@ezrainstitute.ca" <info@ezrainstitute.ca>; "info@libertycoalitioncanada.
Cc: "awaugh@postmedia.com" <awaugh@postmedia.com>; Jason Lavigne <jason@yellowhead.vote>; art <art@streetchurch.ca>; "steve.outhouse@gnb.ca" <steve.outhouse@gnb.ca>; pierre.poilievre <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>
Sent: Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 04:30:28 PM ADT
Subject: RE PC Faytene won't discuss 'security concerns' that caused event's cancellation
---------- Original message ---------
From: Faytene Grasseschi / PCNB - Hampton-Fundy-St. Martins 2024 Candidate <info@votefaytene.ca>
Date: Mon, Oct 7, 2024 at 9:29 PM
Subject: Re: RE Calls from Moncton RCMP (506 856 8139) about ‘PJ’ Andreetti and I
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
David,
I just tried to call you back. My apologies again that we had to keep the call short today due to an appointment. Thank you for your care, kindness and defence of me. I do appreciate it.
Please know how much we respect you.
Faytene
Premier's former spokesperson wants to run against Liberal Leader Susan Holt
Nicolle Carlin sets sights on Fredericton South-Silverwood
Nicolle Carlin, who has worked as spokesperson for Premier Blaine Higgs since 2018, has announced she is seeking the Progressive Conservative nomination in Fredericton South-Silverwood.
It's the same riding where Liberal Leader Susan Holt plans to run in the next election, which is scheduled for October.
Carlin said she resigned from her job as deputy minister of strategic initiatives and communications on Monday to campaign full time.
"I've been very fortunate. I do have a strong voice at the table and the premier's put a lot of faith in me and he's allowed me to be vocal," Carlin said in an interview with Radio-Canada.
"I loved serving in my job, but this is completely different. When you have people you are speaking for, when you are taking their issues to heart, when you're advocating for them, that's a completely different responsibility."
Carlin said she wasn't recruited by the PC Party and the decision to run was hers alone.
Stands with Higgs on Policy 713
Carlin has previously been a municipal councillor in Hanwell and worked as a reporter for both CTV Atlantic and CBC New Brunswick.
When asked, she said she stands with Higgs on the issue of Policy 713, the gender-identity school policy his government changed last summer.
The revised Policy 713 requires that school staff obtain parental consent before letting a student under 16 adopt a new name or pronoun that reflects their gender identity.
"I do stand with the premier on 713, and I don't think that there is a line between being progressive and supporting the role that parents play," Carlin said.
Liberal Leader Susan Holt, shown here at the recent Liberal nomination meeting for Hampton-Fundy-St. Martins, is running for a seat in Fredericton South-Silverwood. (Sam Farley/CBC News)
She said children should feel welcome in their schools and classrooms, but parents should be involved with elementary-aged kids transitioning and using a different name and pronouns.
"I'm very progressive. I'm a progressive in my views, I'm a Progressive Conservative and I stand with the premier on that issue, 100 per cent," Carlin said.
In an emailed statement, Liberal Leader Susan Holt said she welcomes Carlin to the race.
"Glad to see that PCs have found a candidate to make this a good race, which is critical to a strong democracy," Holt said.
"I look forward to seeing Nicolle at the doors and engaging in meaningful discussions about the most important issues to the people of Fredericton South-Silverwood."
Holt won a seat in a 2023 byelection in the riding of Bathurst East-Nepisiguit-Saint-Isidore, but has chosen to run in a Fredericton riding come October. The Liberal leader lives in the city of Fredericton.
Simon Ouellette is the Green Party candidate for the riding. (Radio-Canada)
The Green Party's candidate for the riding, Simon Ouellette, also welcomed Carlin to the race in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
"I'm looking forward to a fair and competitive race focused on good ideas and honest politics. I hope to see Nicolle at local debates, where we can share our different visions for the future of our province," Ouellette said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Journalist
Sam Farley is a Fredericton-based reporter at CBC New Brunswick. Originally from Boston, he is a journalism graduate of the University of King's College in Halifax. He can be reached at sam.farley@cbc.ca
With files from Alix Villeneuve
2004
All eyes turned, cameras were flashing, and Nicolle Carlin, budding reporter, just stood waiting to hear an answer from an MP in Ottawa. Only in Gr. 10, Carlin caught the MP off guard when she asked if her school could have some money back to fund their music program which had been cancelled. Reporters scrummed her afterwards and it is then, Carlin recounts, that she realized that she had an interest in journalism.
“Wow, I like asking questions…and I kind of like catching him off guard.” thought young Carlin at the time. Now 25 and a Videojournalist at ATV in Fredericton, there is no looking back. Carlin grew up in Saint John and chose to study Journalism at St. Thomas University.
Sherry and Mary Wilson are old school women that asks permission to go to the bathroom.
I like Margaret but she is old school too, but she fought for her bridge in Florenceville that will never happen. Higgs keeps dangling that carrot for her though so she’ll run again.
Andrea Anderson Mason and Arlene Dunn…Dorothy Shepherd too stood up to Higgs for years.
Jill Green is fascinated by Higgs when she doesn’t need the money.
Good luck Nicole. Higgs will put you in a woman’s role soon if you are elected as MLA.
― Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale
― Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale
"Carlin said she wasn't recruited by the PC Party and the decision to run was hers alone."
Hmmmm, do I believe Higgs's spokescritter on this or any issue at this point?
Le Wier
Reply to G. Timothy Walton
I see Carlin’s father In law was high up in the former NBTel and a prominent family in Quispamsis and her mother was affiliated with the UPC.
Bobby Richards
Jake Stewart is the father of Nicole’s baby. That happened 2 terms ago
Bobby Richards
Reply to Le Wier
There used to be a vetting process
David Amos
Reply to G. Timothy Walton
IMHO Never believe anything until Higgy's spokescritter officially denies it
David Amos
Reply to Le Wier
Bingo
David Amos
Reply to Bobby Richards
Wow
Reply to Bobby Richards
Reply to Bobby Richards
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to Le Wier
Notice anything missing?
Reply to David Amos
Reply to Le Wier
More than that is missing
Keep trying.
Higgs has several women that he would boot out if that was the case.
Jill Green is fascinated by Higgs when she doesn’t need the money.
I think the baby Daddy is now in Ottawa.
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Reply to Bobby Richards
They spent many evenings together in the hotel
Reply to SarahRose Werner
I would suggest it’s more about being both humble and acknowledging the privilege she was afforded from the position……
Reply to SarahRose Werner
She will get treated very differently if she is elected and Higgs makes government. Higgs uses everyone for his own gain. Right now she feels on top but Higgs will put her on bottom if she dares speak up for her riding.
Perhaps I should ask you the obvious question
Reply to David Amos
Is that your real name?
Reply to David Amos
That is particularly true with my family name But everybody in the Conservative Party knows who my Father and Mother were particularly today
A lot of Canadians visited my Mother's favourite Brother's grave today
Kyle Woodman
She fits the mold of right wing yes woman.
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Indeed
Kyle Woodman
If she supports Higgs she is not Progressive no matter how many times she says it.
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Grits or tories, same old stories.
Reply to Howard Higgs
I don't believe that is the case in this election.
Reply to Howard Higgs
Agreed. But only since 2003, starting first at the Federal and having spread progressively to the provinces since.
C'est Vrai
Reply to David Amos
Robert Brannen
One is a matter of creating fantasy; the other, a matter of dealing with the harsh reality of the lives lived by the New Brunswick population.
Reply to Robert Brannen
You are right. She understands the mechanics of NB government but has had the privilege of being shielded by being on the inside.
It's nice to see young people engaged in the future of their province.
Reply to David Amos
Reply to David Amos
Reply to David Amos
The last thing we need is a 'mouthpiece' who only knows how to mimic and echo Higgs. Puppets are the worst kind of politician.
Reply to Bobby Richards
Did she work for Jake?
Only at the hotel
Yes outside of business hours
it sure wasnt to check his riding........i dont think Dawson goes around neither..........
They checked each other out in the evenings after dark
Art McCarthy
"I am a progressive." I work for a leader who is old-fashioned, old-school, reactionary, and stogy, who brooks no dissention from his views, yet I am progressive?
Something does not align here.
Everything Higgs is tainted. If she wants to run for the conservatives (I have long since dropped the word 'progressive') then have at it boss. All it means to us voters is that she is perfectly OK with the 'pronoun war distraction' over real issues.
Amen
Crafting Higgs Irvings messages must have been hard on her conscience OR perhaps not!
Reply to Doug McBride
I doubt it.
Reply to Doug McBride
For her......not at all.
" resigned from her job as deputy minister of strategic initiatives and communications on Monday to campaign full time."
There are strategic initiatives in NB? Might they include contract nurses or actually improving the health care system. Based on what people deal with day to day, clearly nothing viable occurring.
There really has been nothing progressive in the Higgs government in the last 5 years. Why think anything will change
Well this should be an easy seat for the Liberals to take. As spokesperson for Higgs she has to carry the burden of his misinformation on 713, illegal firings that cost millions, travel nurse contracts, Union lawsuits and preferential tax treatment to his former employer and so much more.
She will no doubt be a strong competitor to go against Holt
Reply to Daniel Henwell
Not a chance. She has to check everything she does with Higgy first.
Reply to Deborah Reddon
This is all Steve Outhouse’s idea.
I see the name Outhouse, I automatically assume they are full of you-know-what...
Reply to Bobby Richards
Of course thats his job
NEWS & EVENTS
The Crime Prevention Association of New Brunswick features a number of flagship events in order to foster networking and share best practices among participants. The events include (but are not limited to) the CPANB Annual Conference, the CPANB Awards Luncheon. The CPANB is also a primary organizing partner for the Atlantic Coordinating Committee on Crime Prevention and Community Safety.
Crime Prevention Awards Luncheon 2023
Fredericton (GNB) – On December 6th, 2023, the Crime Prevention Association of New Brunswick and the Department of Justice and Public Safety came together during the Roundtable on Crime and Public Safety to recognize individuals and organizations from across the province who have contributed their time, efforts, and expertise to preventing crime and building safer communities. Recipients were recognized with Justice and Public Safety Certificates of Recognition as well as the Business Excellence award and inductions into the Association’s Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to all recipients and thank you for the incredible efforts in making New Brunswick a safer and more secure place for all to live, work and play.
Justice and Public Safety Certificates of Recognition:
-
The Codiac Community Policing Unit
-
Robert Cyr of the Department of Justice and Public Safety
-
Kelsey MacDonald of the Department of Justice and Public Safety
-
Ayesha Matthews of the Southeast Regional Correctional Centre
-
Bob Stranach of Public Safety Canada
-
Youth Connections Fredericton from the John Howard Society
Business Excellence:
-
The Courage Centre
Hall of Fame:
-
The Leading Systemic Change in Policing and Survivors of Sexual Violence in New Brunswick project led by Andie Marks and Kylie Bergfalk at Sexual Violence New Brunswick
-
Cindy Mabey of the Department of Justice and Public Safety
The annual awards luncheon occurs each fall, with nominations being accepted until the end of September. More information about the awards, the criteria, and the nomination process can be found on our website here.
DETAILS OF GUNS AND GANGS STRATEGY INVESTMENT
01 August 2019
FREDERICTON (GNB)--The provincial government announced today the details of New Brunswick's Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund. This project is made possible through funding from the federal government, which has allocated more than $2.7 million over give years through its Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence.
"We are taking action to protect families and communities," said Public Safety Minister Carl Urquhart. "We are doing that by complementing the Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Strategy. Using the evidence that we collect, a strategic plan will be implemented that will aim to address the underlying reasons for gang violence."
The objective of the fund is to support law enforcement, crime prevention and intervention initiatives within the province. This funding will be used to support police services and other organizations in their efforts to prevent gun and gang violence, while increasing awareness and understanding of related issues.
"There are many factors associated with gun and gang violence. Having spent a career in law enforcement, I know we cannot arrest our way out of the problem," said federal Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction Minister Bill Blair. "Understanding the causes specific to the community is key to reaching young people who may be vulnerable to joining gangs, and to giving youth a safe and secure way to leave gangs and build a strong future."
The provincial government's five-year plan on gun and gang violence complements its Crime Prevention and Reduction Strategy and Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Strategy. It will focus on better understanding the nature of gun and gang violence in New Brunswick, and, through collaboration with partners and stakeholders, an evidence-based strategic plan will be developed. The plan will aim to address existing, emerging and underlying gun and gang violence and related issues through knowledge development, prevention, intervention and suppression activities.
506-446-5992
47-100 Howe Court. Oromocto, NB E2V 2R3
©2019 by Crime Prevention Association of New Brunswick Inc.
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Apr 30, 2024 at 7:28 AM
Subject: Re Sexual violence oversight teams only working with half of N.B. police forces
To: martin.gaudet <martin.gaudet@fredericton.ca>, Mark.Blakely <Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, PREMIER <PREMIER@gov.ns.ca>, premier <premier@gnb.ca>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>, oldmaison <oldmaison@yahoo.com>, andre <andre@jafaust.com>, Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>, blaine.higgs <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>, kris.austin <kris.austin@gnb.ca>, rob.moore <rob.moore@parl.gc.ca>, Mitton, Megan (LEG) <megan.mitton@gnb.ca>, bruce.fitch <bruce.fitch@gnb.ca>, Marco.Mendicino <Marco.Mendicino@parl.gc.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, jan.jensen <jan.jensen@justice.gc.ca>, JUSTMIN <JUSTMIN@novascotia.ca>, ragingdissident <ragingdissident@protonmail.com>, <DerekRants9595@gmail.com>, Dominic.Cardy <Dominic.Cardy@gnb.ca>, dominic.leblanc <dominic.leblanc@parl.gc.ca>
Cc: <wpfadmin@nbpolice.ca>, <allan.walker@town.woodstock.nb.ca>, <info@svnb.ca>
Monday 26 February 2024
Sexual violence oversight teams only working with half of N.B. police forces
Sexual violence oversight teams only working with half of N.B. police forces
5 remaining forces will join program over next 2 years to improve police response to sexual assault
Frontline workers in the field of gender-based violence are set up to review criminal cases of sexual assault at four of New Brunswick's nine police forces.
The number falls short of a timeline that would have seen each force working with an independent oversight committee by this April.
The committees look at closed sexual assault cases to identify any gaps, missed steps or potential biases police officers had during investigations.
The oversight role can lead to improvements in police response to sexual violence or even cases being reopened, according to Jenn Richard, director of strategic development for Sexual Violence New Brunswick.
New Brunswick made national news in 2017 for having the country's highest rate of unfounded sexual assault cases, meaning officers did not believe a crime had occurred.
First launched with the Kennebecasis Valley Regional Police Force in 2021, the committees are now working with municipal forces in Saint John, Fredericton and Woodstock and review cases on a quarterly or annual basis.
"[Police officers] are more aware of the services that may exist in their community, which I think is really important for survivors, not just for their own healing, but it also helps them stay engaged in the justice process, which is a benefit to everyone."
Teams may overlap in geographically close areas, Richard said. There's also a team working with New Brunswick RCMP.
Similar programs exist in other provinces, including Ontario and Alberta. They're based on work done by Sunny Mariner, who developed the model through her work at the Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre in 2017.
Richard previously told CBC News all nine police forces in New Brunswick would be working with the oversight committees by the end of the current fiscal year. Logistical challenges have delayed that timeline, she said, and she now hopes the remaining forces will be participating within the next year or year-and-a-half.
Jenn Richard is the director of strategic development with Sexual Violence New Brunswick. (Marc Genuist / CBC)
"We've also done a presentation to the New Brunswick Association of Chiefs of Police, and they've all responded positively, so we're pretty optimistic that things are going to roll ahead," she said.
The Edmundston Police Force and the BNPP Regional Police Force, serving communities northeast of Bathurst, confirmed to CBC News that they will participate in the program. Police in Grand Falls, Miramichi and Bathurst didn't respond to requests for comment.
Head of police chiefs wants review process to stay
Woodstock Chief Gary Forward, who's also the president of the New Brunswick Association of Chiefs of Police, said the oversight teams are a step in the right direction.
"If we see through these types of partnerships the opportunity to be better, then we need to not only embrace that, but we need to make sure that moving forward we have it in place," he said.
His department had its first audit with the team in 2023. Over the course of a few days, the team members examined records, files and details about the investigative processes of closed cases of sexual violence.
The files never left the building, Forward said, and team members signed a nondisclosure agreement before reviewing them. Some information, like personal medical information, was also redacted.
Gary Forward is the Woodstock police chief and president of the New
Brunswick Association of Chiefs of Police. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
After they finished with the files, the team put together a report for the Woodstock force recommending ways to improve their investigative processes going forward.
"There was some very helpful information there," Forward said.
Forward said he wants the auditing process to continue at least yearly. The goal is that officers will learn from each audit, he said, so that the force can proactively address any shortcomings in the investigative process.
Woodstock police also received specialized training from Sexual Violence New Brunswick in 2023, Forward said. They were joined by officers from the Fredericton force and the RCMP.
"It demonstrates that the public safety services in New Brunswick are very aware this is something we need to be on top of and be a part of."
Recommendations about police response still not public
Bettering police response to crimes of sexual violence gained momentum across Canada following a 2017 Globe and Mail investigation that revealed police officers were often dismissing victim allegations as unfounded, depriving them of thorough, trauma-informed investigations.
The Globe's investigation found New Brunswick had the highest percentage of unfounded cases in the country, leading the province to perform an audit of sex crime investigations from 2010 to 2014.
The Department of Justice and Public Safety then put a working group together, made up of advocates in the field and police force associations, to compile formal recommendations about how New Brunswick police officers can improve their response to crimes of sexual violence.
Sexual Violence New Brunswick was part of that work. Richard confirmed to CBC News the recommendations were delivered to the Department of Justice and Public Safety at least two years ago, if not earlier. She also told CBC News in 2022 the recommendations would soon be made public.
That never happened.
The Department of Justice and Public Safety confirmed in an email that the task force made nine recommendations, but would not share them, nor say why they were never made public. In a followup email, the department said it's consulting with stakeholders on a release date.
"I couldn't tell you why they're not public," Richard said."I've also been asking that myself. There has been a lot of really excellent progress that has been made on those recommendations. It's something to actually show off."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Amos
Guess who just called Gary Forward
Reply to David Amos
Forward should be demoted.
David Amos
Guess who just called Sexual Violence New Brunswick
"Woodstock Chief Gary Forward, who's also the president of the New Brunswick Association of Chiefs of Police, said the oversight teams are a step in the right direction.
"If we see through these types of partnerships the opportunity to be better, then we need to not only embrace that, but we need to make sure that moving forward we have it in place," he said.
Yea Right
Reply to David Amos
Perhaps the cops should look at what is in front of everyone right now
Oh My My
David Amos
Gary Forward knows why this news does not surprise me
Denis Van Humbeck
Too bad this current government is soft on crime relaxed the bail rules.
Reply to Denis Van Humbeck
Just like California, totally
David Amos
Reply to Denis Van Humbeck
It depends on who the Crown deems as criminals there are 2 dudes in Alberta that have been locked up for over 2 years without bail while awaiting trial
"Frontline workers in the field of gender-based violence"- So different violence has different people? not sure what that means.
Reply to Miles Haukeness
You are so smart. Good for you.
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross
I wish the cops were half as smart
This is a subject that would conflict with our premier's optimistic view of the state of the province.
Canada is too soft on crime and people get released on bail when they shouldn't.
Reply to Denis Van Humbeck
You can thank a previous government that abused the bail process—one of several abuses—to the point that the Supreme Court had to set rules based on something other than optics.
Reply to Denis Van Humbeck
Pretty general statement to make. Statistically, the numbers are very small.
Reply to G. Timothy Walton
There was no abuse of the bail program by the previous government.
Reply to Denis Van Humbeck
Yea Right
Reply to Denis Van Humbeck
Yes, there was. People were being denied bail purely for the optics of being "tough on crime", regardless of their actual offence. It resulted in individual wealth mattering more than individual accused or individual crime.
And since some people who couldn't afford bail were being held in remand longer than their sentence would have been with a trial within a reasonable period, we ended up with the limits the SCOC has set in place.
That's what the abuse was. People effectively serving longer sentences without having received a trial, simply because they were poor.
Reply to G. Timothy Walton
Ah wrong. SCOC should not be allowed to set limits.
Eugene Peabody
The government has sat on the report because the minister of public safety does not agree with it. As usual people have to do the job of the government like they did with the homeless file.
Like the police chief said this idea will only help to make the police forces better over time. There will always be a few members that will not change but maybe they will decrease in number over time.
Reply to Eugene Peabody
Tip of the iceberg How many RCMP members sued the Crown because of sexual harassment by their fellow members?
Sounds like a lot of duplication.
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Feb 26, 2024 at 3:38 PM
Subject: Guess who just called Gary Forward
To: My Son
Followed you
Gracie Amos
Followed you
Woodstock Police Force
822 Main Street
Woodstock, NB E7M 2E8
506-325-4601
wpfadmin@nbpolice.ca
STAFF
Chief Administrative Officer
Allan Walker
allan.walker@town.woodstock.nb
506 323 7028
Sexual Violence New Brunswick:
P.O. Box 174
Fredericton, NB
E3B 4Y9
Business Line: 506.454.0460
Support Line: 506.454.0437
Fax: 506.457.2780
info@svnb.ca
Guess who just called Gary Forward
Comment by David Amos.
21 min ago
Guess who just called Sexual Violence New Brunswick
Comment by David Amos.
47 min ago
content deactivated –
"Woodstock Chief Gary Forward, who's also the president of the New
Brunswick Association of Chiefs of Police, said the oversight teams
are a step in the right direction.
"If we see through these types of partnerships the opportunity to be
better, then we need to not only embrace that, but we need to make
sure that moving forward we have it in place," he said.
Yea Right
Reply by David Amos.
46 min ago
Perhaps the cops should look at what is in front of everyone right now
Comment by David Amos.
51 min ago
Oh My My
Comment by David Amos.
2 hrs ago
content deactivated –
Gary Forward knows why this news does not surprise me
Comment by Denis Van Humbeck.
2 hrs ago
Too bad this current government is soft on crime relaxed the bail rules.
Reply by Wilbur Ross.
2 hrs ago
Just like California, totally
Reply by David Amos.
44 min ago
It depends on who the Crown deems as criminals there are 2 dudes in
Alberta that have been locked up for over 2 years without bail while
awaiting trial
Comment by Miles Haukeness.
3 hrs ago
"Frontline workers in the field of gender-based violence"- So
different violence has different people? not sure what that means.
Reply by Wilbur Ross.
2 hrs ago
You are so smart. Good for you.
Reply by David Amos.
43 min ago
I wish the cops were half as smart
Comment by MR Cain.
3 hrs ago
This is a subject that would conflict with our premier's optimistic
view of the state of the province.
Comment by Denis Van Humbeck.
5 hrs ago
Canada is too soft on crime and people get released on bail when they shouldn't.
Reply by G. Timothy Walton.
4 hrs ago
You can thank a previous government that abused the bail process—one
of several abuses—to the point that the Supreme Court had to set rules
based on something other than optics.
Reply by MR Cain.
3 hrs ago
Pretty general statement to make. Statistically, the numbers are very small.
Reply by Denis Van Humbeck.
2 hrs ago
There was no abuse of the bail program by the previous government.
Reply by David Amos.
42 min ago
Yea Right
Comment by Robert Fish.
6 hrs ago
The reality that we even need this service is just the worst of the
worst in society.
Comment by Eugene Peabody.
7 hrs ago
The government has sat on the report because the minister of public
safety does not agree with it. As usual people have to do the job of
the government like they did with the homeless file.
Like the police chief said this idea will only help to make the police
forces better over time. There will always be a few members that will
not change but maybe they will decrease in number over time.
Reply by David Amos.
40 min ago
Tip of the iceberg How many RCMP members sued the Crown because of
sexual harassment by their fellow members?
Comment by Jack Whitehead.
7 hrs ago
Sounds like a lot of duplication.
CRIME PREVENTION ASSOCIATION OF NEW BRUNSWICK INC.
A BIT ABOUT US
The purpose of CPANB is to promote and support organizations that are creating safer communities and taking actions to prevent crime in New Brunswick.
CPANB is a non-profit association that has members across the province. Members include other non-profit organizations, like local crime prevention committees, Block Parents and Neighborhood Watches, the John Howard Society and the YMCA, protection services like municipal police forces and the RCMP, government departments including the Department of Public Safety, Health and Wellness, Family and Community services, individuals and businesses.
BACKGROUND
The Crime Prevention Association of New Brunswick was an idea that originated with the New Brunswick Police Commission in 1987. CPANB became incorporated as a non-profit organization in October 1994. CPANB has grown to include members from all ages and sectors including teachers, health promoters, community leaders, social development practitioners, police officers, social workers, lawyers and correctional officers who advocate and promote social development and personal safety for all New Brunswickers.
OUR VISION
Create safer communities by reducing crime opportunities through public awareness and education.
OUR GOALS
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Help mobilize communities
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Promote effective crime prevention strategies
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Encourage collaboration
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Support crime prevention through social development
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Reduce crime opportunities through public awareness and education.
President's Report
Linda Patterson, President
We began the year as we ended in 2020, with Public Health restrictions in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Despite the necessary distance, we were able to post to our Facebook page from time to time, released regular newsletters and updated our website to keep New Brunswickers informed on crime prevention.
Our 2020-21 telemarketing campaign was initiated. Thankfully, due to the generosity of New Brunswickers, funds from this campaign are used to support grants to both provincial and local groups who are preventing crime and reducing victimization. This year, our larger provincial grant was shared between the two New Brunswick Transition House Associations. These funds allow Transition Houses across the province to better help women and children who are subjected to violence—an issue that’s only become more complex because of the pandemic. Due to an over-abundance of caution, smaller local grants were only approved if they could clearly demonstrate how Public Health Guidelines would be met to keep New Brunswickers safe. As such, the only grant awarded this year was to Riverview Neighbourhood Watch. We hope to reignite interest in our grant program in the year to come. Also from this campaign, we launched an informational booklet on Family Violence Awareness which was distributed across the province and aims to help NBers understand family violence and find help.
CPANB remains a valuable member of New Brunswick's Roundtable on Crime and Public Safety, the Board of Trustees Endowed Chair in Criminology and Criminal Justice at St. Thomas University and the Atlantic Coordinating Committee on Crime Prevention & Community Safety. As part of the Roundtable on Crime and Public Safety, CPANB serves on the Crime Prevention Conditional Grant Committee which granted over $500 000.00 to three programs in 2021: Stop Now and Plan, Youth Connections and Thrive. These programs target youth who are vulnerable to criminal behaviour and victimization.
Our annual Crime Prevention Awards event was also very different this year. Instead of gathering in Oromocto as we usually do, we held a Zoom event where we recognized all recipients and featured our major awards. We awarded 13 Certificates of Recognition from the Department of Justice and Public Safety and were honoured to induct Cpl. Eugene Belliveau into the Hall of Fame. We are always so pleased to learn about and celebrate the people preventing crime in the province. The Wall of Fame at Oromocto Days Inn has been updated with all the plaques and portraits and we are looking forward to returning to an in-person event this coming year. Congratulations to all recipients.
Finally, I would like to thank the Executive and the Board for being there for us this year. As we adapt to our new and ever-changing circumstances, we will continue to stay connected by email, Zoom and in the near future, in-person meetings and events. I want to also thank Autumn for your help this past year. On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend our thanks to all those who are contributing to preventing crime and victimization in the province and I look forward to our continued work together.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Linda Patterson - Oromocto (Chair)
Melanie Dingee - Perth Andover (Vice Chair)
Rhonda Stairs - Fredericton (Secretary)
Sebastien Lee - Quispamsis (Treasurer)
Les Drost - Saint John
Eugene Belliveau - Quispamsis
Marc Beaupré - Tracadie
Paul Lang - Bouctouche
Michael Bamford - Fredericton
Bob Stranach - Fredericton (Advisor)
Susan Reid - Fredericton (Advisor)
Stephanie Sanford - Fredericton (Advisor)
Autumn Locke - Fredericton (Staff)
Rachelle Wilby - Fredericton (Staff)
MEMBERSHIP
506-446-5992
47-100 Howe Court. Oromocto, NB E2V 2R3
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