Latest news with #WindsorPoliceServicesBoard
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Province says it will fund training and maintenance for Windsor police helicopter
The province has disclosed some more details about a helicopter the government is buying for Windsor police amid questions from city officials about the aircraft's cost to local taxpayers and stated border security mandate. On May 15, Ontario Premier Doug Ford's government unveiled its 2025 budget, which includes $57 million to purchase two new Airbus H-135 helicopters — one for Niagara regional police, and one for Windsor police. The aircraft are meant to help municipal law enforcement "with increased patrols, security, and enforcement at key entry points at the U.S. border," according to the budget. On Monday, the province told CBC Windsor that it will be covering some of the costs associated with the new equipment. "Our government is ensuring police services have the tools they need to protect our borders and keep our communities safe — This includes supporting the Windsor Police Service with a new H-135 helicopter," wrote Dakota Moniz, director of communications for Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. "In addition to the new helicopter, we will provide funding to the police service to hire and train tactical flight officers, and support the Ontario Provincial Police, who will provide maintenance for the helicopter upon its arrival in 2027," Moniz stated. As Monday evening, Moniz had not responded to follow-up questions regarding how much the province would be providing, and whether those amounts are included in the original $57-million investment. Windsor city councillor Jo-Anne Gignac, who chairs the Windsor Police Services Board, has expressed concerns about the costs associated with operating and maintaining a helicopter. "I think for the people of Windsor to have to assume the cost of operating a helicopter is naturally concerning," Gignac told CBC after the announcement. WATCH: Ontario budget promises new police helicopter for Windsor After a meeting of the Windsor Police Services Board last week, Gignac said the city was still awaiting details from the province about the helicopter. "We still don't have the information that we need to be able to sign an agreement in terms of that tool," Gignac said. "And it is a tool. It's a tool that I appreciate the premier has thought that it might be a positive thing." There have also been questions whether it's the role of a municipal police service to patrol the international border — which is normally a federal responsibility. "It's just getting to the point where downloading of different responsibilities that were never part of our municipal responsibilities are coming left and right," Gignac said. "And so we have to be very careful." Both the Canadian and Ontario governments have implemented new border security measures in response to criticisms from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has claimed that fentanyl smuggling from Canada justifies imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods — despite data showing that the vast majority of fentanyl enters the U.S. from Mexico. In an effort to appease Trump, Ottawa announced in December that it would spend $1.3 billion on beefing up border security — which includes having the RCMP patrol the border with leased Black Hawk helicopters. The Windsor detachment of the RCMP declined an interview request on Monday and did not respond to questions about coordinating with the coming Windsor police helicopter patrol. There's some precedent for the province's new police helicopters. Ford's government previously said it was spending $134 million on five helicopters for police in Ottawa and the Toronto area. The latest announcement "builds on" that investment, the budget says, adding that the new aircraft "will help protect Ontario's borders and keep highways and roadways safe from violent carjackings, auto theft, street racing, and impaired driving."
CBC
19-03-2025
- Politics
- CBC
'Apparent failure' of Windsor police board in dealing with chief's racist remarks, police group says
Following an investigation that substantiated claims Windsor's police chief made racist comments in the workplace, a provincial group representing police unions is condemning those remarks and pointing to an "apparent failure" of the oversight board tasked with providing accountability. On Monday, CBC News published information based on a summary of an internal investigation into racism complaints against Windsor police chief Jason Bellaire. That investigation was finished in January. The internal probe substantiated allegations that Bellaire made comments that violated Windsor police directives, according to the summary, which didn't specify what remarks he's said to have made. Inspector Ed Armstrong filed that internal complaint. He also filed a Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario complaint outlining his allegations. Armstrong described several racist comments he said Bellaire made to him at work, including a joke about bananas and Black people, asking him to use his "Black magic" and saying he needed a "Black friend" to accompany him to certain events. Mark Baxter, president of the Police Association of Ontario, said the group "condemns" such comments. "This kind of behaviour erodes public trust and undermines the integrity of the work of police service members to ensure the safety and security of our communities," he said in a statement. "People in Windsor deserve to know that the chief of police — the head of the police service — is being held to the highest standard, is not discriminating against his service members and is serving all people equitably inclusive of race," he added. The advocacy organization represents the members of 45 police unions across Ontario — some 31,000 officers and civilian employees. Both Armstrong and Bellaire did not respond to requests from CBC News for a comment. When asked in an email to confirm whether the allegations against Bellaire were substantiated, Windsor police spokesperson Gary Francoeur said "The information in your message is not entirely accurate." He refused to clarify what he meant, stating he can't comment further because it's before the human rights tribunal. A spokesperson for the Windsor Police Services Board wouldn't answer questions about what consequences, if any, Bellaire will face for his comments that violated internal directives. "The Windsor Police Service Board will make no comment on personnel matters regarding a specific employee," said Norma Coleman, Windsor police board administrative director. The PAO is demanding "full transparency" so the Windsor police board can "restore confidence in their leadership." "Equally concerning is the apparent failure of the Windsor Police Services Board to take swift and decisive action in holding the chief accountable. Leadership in policing must be held to the highest standard, and when those in positions of power fail to uphold those values, it sends a damaging message to members and the communities we proudly serve," said Baxter. 'Lack of transparency' is deeply concerning, says PAO The union representing Windsor police officers, the Windsor Police Association, previously told CBC News that it too is seeking accountability from the board. "What I do find troubling is that the police services board has been aware of this issue for several weeks and has yet to address it, either with my membership or the public. This lack of transparency and action is deeply concerning," president Kent Rice said.
