A bill intended to strengthen the Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) of Manitoba, tasked with overseeing police conduct, has been stalled for nearly three years without implementation. This situation has frustrated families who have lost loved ones to police actions, leaving them without reassurance about the effectiveness of the IIU.
Much of this frustration is felt deeply by Gerry Singer, whose 59-year-old brother, Bradley, was shot and killed by Winnipeg police earlier this year. Police had responded to his home following concerns about his mental health, but the tragic outcome raises significant questions. "They recognize there's a problem. You spend time studying for solutions and then they don't implement them?" Singer lamented, implying the system's failure to protect citizens.
Bradley's case is among the several incidents triggering calls for stronger oversight of police actions. The proposed bill, introduced back in November 2021, was meant to grant the IIU authority to penalize officers who fail to comply with its requests, among other improvements. Unfortunately, the legislation has yet to be enacted, much to the dismay of affected families and advocates for police accountability.
The Independent Investigation Unit was established as part of reforms to Manitoba's policing framework, responding to incidents of police violence and misconduct. Following numerous scandals about the IIU's limitations and its jurisdictional struggles, the proposed amendments aimed to arm it with tools necessary to tackle these systemic issues. For example, requiring compliance from all police-affiliated individuals, such as cadets and community safety officers, was highlighted as one of the suggested improvements.
Zane Tessler, the IIU's first civilian director, was vocal about concerns during his tenure. He pointed out significant flaws, such as the proactive refusal of police departments to flag pertinent incidents or to allow officer cadets to testify during investigations. Later, the IIU even found itself pursuing legal action against the Winnipeg Police Service to secure testimony from cadets who witnessed volatile incidents involving police use of force.
Despite its significance, the proposed law has hit roadblocks along the way, most recently stalling after passing through all legislative readings. It received royal assent on June 1, 2022, but has not been proclaimed, leaving advocates puzzled. "There's no rational reason why it's sitting there," Tessler remarked, highlighting the immense delay impacting justice for victims.
Political representatives have also expressed their disappointment. Wayne Balcaen, the justice critic for the Progressive Conservative party, which recently lost its position to the NDP, criticized the lack of action from the current government. He emphasized the necessity of having the IIU equipped with adequate resources to uphold professional standards and public safety.
Current Justice Minister Matt Wiebe acknowledged the delay but indicated it stems from the complexity of the policy changes required by the bill. He assured the public the government is working diligently to bring the legislation to fruition, though he refrained from providing specific timelines.
Nevertheless, the slow progression of this bill is seen by many as indicative of broader systemic issues within police oversight and accountability. Attorney Martin Glazer, representing the families of victims like Bradley Singer, insists the proposed amendments don't do enough. He pointedly remarked on the extended timelines families face when awaiting answers following tragic police-related incidents, calling for legally mandated deadlines for investigations and reports.
While waiting for official investigations to conclude, families like the Singers grapple with their grief, longing for resolution. Gerry Singer has vivid memories of his brother, recalling him as generous and compassionate. Describing the pain of his loss, he remarked, "It's just a real tragedy. I miss him terribly." His call for accountability echoes through the community, emphasizing not only the need for systemic change but the human cost of its absence.
