Today’s letters: Police should share more information, earlier

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Police reticent to share information

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Re: One charged with murder in death of OPP officer, two more wounded in early morning ‘ambush’ in rural Bourget, May 11.

It is my impression that police in Canada are less inclined than in the United States to provide much information about violent crimes soon after they occur. The police press conference on the recent shooting in Bourget conforms to that pattern. In the U.S., early reports on such events seem to be more the norm.

It is understandable that police here might be reticent about giving out information quickly. An ill-advised disclosure could hamper the investigation. And no one should want to put out information that further checking shows to be wrong.

But the darker side of minimal disclosure can tempt police into two sins. First, avoidance or postponement of embarrassment by hiding officers’ incompetence or illegality. Second, selective disclosure of information to put police in a good light, or the accused persons in a bad light, or both.

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This is what I fear has happened with the shooting at Bourget. We have had few details so far. Nevertheless,  OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique has felt able to call it an “ambush” of his officers. He should not have done so. The reputation of the police, already shaky, is put further at risk by such dubious declarations. And honouring the officers involved, especially Sgt. Eric Mueller, surely does not need it.

Colin Beattie, Ottawa

Back bill that fights harassment

I have written to my MPP urging support for Bill 5: Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, 2022. It is set for second reading May 30.

This bill would create new rules requiring that the code of conduct for municipal councillors and members of local boards require those councillors and members to comply with workplace violence and harassment policies.

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It would also permit municipalities and local boards to direct the Integrity Commissioner to apply to the court to vacate a member’s seat if the commissioner’s inquiry determined that the member had contravened the code of conduct by failing to comply with the workplace violence or harassment policies.

Bill 5 was introduced by MPP Stephen Blais (Orléans) after several local women reported abuse and harassment by then-Ottawa councillor Rick Chiarelli, who continued serving as a councillor with a suspended salary for three years despite being found guilty of harassment and bullying by the Integrity Commissioner. This is shameful, outrageous and can’t be allowed to happen again. Not one but two integrity commissioner reports found he harassed people and abused his power of office.

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The brave women who came forward should be invited to appear before the legislative committee to tell their stories and deserve to know that their bravery will result in positive change.

This is not a partisan issue. Bill 5 merits the support of all political parties. Please let your MPP know you expect them to support this important bill.

Suzanne Elliott, Ottawa

Stop the cheap shots, Mr. Poilievre

Re: Does Pierre Poilievre want attention, or results? It’s time to decide, May 18.

Andrew MacDougall stated it clearly: “No one gets popular online by being substantive.”

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s cheap shots ignore the importance of summits and diplomacy — and he is a person who was at the heart of such important national work while in the Stephen Harper government. I would prefer that the opposition offer clearly thought-out alternatives. I am getting nothing substantive from its current leader, only meaningless cheap shots.

Harvey Davey, Ottawa

Take a lesson from Trudeau Sr.

Re: World newspapers blast ‘buffoon’ Trudeau over exchange with Italian PM, May 23.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau once famously said that “There’s no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation.” That statement should be modified for Justin Trudeau to declare that “the Canadian government has no place in the bedrooms of other nations.”

Les Shinder, Nepean