A letter received by the Friends of Dufferin Grove Park from the Attorney General of Ontario:

April 7, 2004

Ms.Jane Price,
President,
Friends of Dufferin Grove Park

Dear Ms.Price,

I am writing today to inform you that I have been asked by Premier Dalton MGuinty to review the province's system of public complaints about police conduct, one of the most important aspects of civilian oversight of police.

As you know, the McGuinty government is working to deliver real, positive change in the priority areas that matter most to Ontarians. That's why we're working with people across the province to build strong, safe communities that work. Our communities rely on excellent police work. And our police depend on the confidence and cooperation of the public. So a strong civilian oversight system that is fair and equitable to both the public and trhe police is enormously important to our government and the people we serve. While I have the utmost faith in the integrity and professionalism of our province's police services, complaints against individual officers do arise. How those complaints are considered and resolved is critical to sustaining or strengthening the bond between police and citizens -- and public safety is only as strong as that bond.

We plan on engaging people in a review of civilian oversight during the late spring or early summer. Once we have received the public's and stakeholders' advice, the government will take the necessary steps to meet its commitment to implement a stronger police complaints system.

I am interested in knowing which groups and individuals you think we should consult with. Please share this letter with anyone you believe would be interested. If you have ideas on issues you believe need to be canvassed, I would also be interested in hearing them at this time.

Please feel free to submit your response to me by email at the following address: civilianoversight@jus.gov.on.ca

Michael Bryant
Attorney General

cc.The Honourable Monte Kwinter, Minister of Community Safety & Correctional Services.

See: Our response letter; Appendix 1; Appendix 2.