Thank you to everyone for your support of the petition thus far. 

Considering public concerns and the support from various police stations refusing to implement this power, the government has responded. 

Just one day after the Ontario government instated more power for the police to stop people at random, the government is now only allowing police to stop vehicles or people if they are suspected of participating in an organized public event or social gathering. 

Solicitor General Sylvia Jones stated that "Every individual who is required to provide a police officer or other provincial offences officer with information shall promptly comply." The price of a ticket if individuals refuse to comply remains $750.

In addition, many municipal police departments in cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, and Peterborough have also confirmed they would not conduct "random vehicle or individual stops" and that 'if we stop you, it will be for a good reason.' 

While it is great that the government is reconsidering the initial policy, this change is not enough. 

History and statistics illustrate that a disproportionate number of blacks and Indigenous people are questioned and suspected of misconduct by police, more than any other ethnic group. By simply adding to the order that 'citizens must be suspected of disobeying covid-19 restrictions' does absolutely nothing to mend the issue. We have seen the devastating consequences for POC who are innocent and hesitant to comply with police. These ramifications can and NEED to be more actively avoided. 

In summary, only 23 out of the 44 municipal police departments have issued statements regarding their disapproval of "random vehicle" stops. However, there has been no specific mention of a change to policing by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and just because law enforcement says they will not conduct "random stops" does not mean that they will not use their increased power to stop citizens supposedly 'suspected' of disregarding COVID-19 restrictions. 

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SHARE THIS PETITION.

"Blanket powers for police to stop vehicles like this bends our constitutional freedoms too far and will cause a rash of racial profiling." - Michael Bryant, Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) 

References: CBC Ontario walks back new policing powers following pushback