Submission to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy: Police Record Checks Reform Act

In a letter to Shafiq Qaadri, MPP and chair of the Standing Committee on Justice Policy, the Commissioner has expressed his support for Bill 113, the Police Record Checks Reform Act (the Act), which incorporates key privacy-protecting measures our office has recommended over the past decade. The Act will clarify rights and obligations related to police record checks for police services and members of the public.

The submission recommends three amendments that would ensure transparency with respect to police record check practices, ensure an open and informed review of the Act and ensure that the public has the opportunity to provide input into the development of key regulations.

Our office is committed to assisting with the development of a comprehensive police record check regime, including the forms, directives, regulations, guides and other materials required to ensure compliance with the Act. We look forward to participating in future discussions with the Legislature, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, the policing community and the public on these and other related matters.