Apology during RCMP street check in Nova Scotia needed, says minister citing own experience – Halifax

The new minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs welcomes the RCMP’s promise to apologize for street checks targeting Black people, but she is more interested in what it will mean for future police conduct.

Twila Grosse says that’s because she has first-hand experience, having been stopped by police during a traffic stop in Halifax for “no particular reason” about 20 years ago.

Grosse told reporters after a cabinet meeting today that there was “no doubt in my mind” that she was stopped because she was a black driver.

Grosse says she looks forward to seeing how the black community engages in the promised consultation process ahead of the apology planned for next year, adding that a police action plan will be important next.

The RCMP announced plans to issue an apology and a follow-up action plan after holding a series of 14 meetings with members of the Black community.

Street checks, now banned in Nova Scotia, take place when police stop people on the street to record their personal information.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published September 21, 2023.