Some clarity over any power Thunder Bay city council may have over city police.
Councillor Aldo Ruberto says it’s a provincial issue, when asked why a review of the police budget is not done by council, but in Halifax it is. “In Ontario, the police services board looks after the police. Quite frankly, we do not have any jurisdiction. They come to us for budget. Even if we don’t approve it, they can still go ahead.”
Councillor Peng You pointed out better communication is needed since the Mayor and Councillor Oliver are on the police services board.
City staff adds council can only approve a budget or not, without suggesting any changes. Councillor Trevor Giertuga points to the police services board decision, which was based on recommendations from a consultant’s report, on police satellite stations as an example.
“They came back and said they didn’t think that would deter crime. I can’t see how that wouldn’t, but again, that’s an example. We can ask them to look at something, but we can’t force their hand. I may disagree, and I totally disagree,” says the city councillor.
