Mamakwa Supports Chiefs of Ontario Lawsuit Against Province for Failing to Provide First Nations with Equal Access to Justice

QUEEN'S PARK – MPP Sol Mamakwa, Official Opposition Deputy Leader, expressed his full support for the Chiefs of Ontario and the Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario (IPCO) as they announced their intention to pursue litigation against Ontario and Canada for failing to ensure equal access to justice for First Nations communities:

"I am deeply committed to pursuing justice for First Nations people across Ontario. This is not just a legal matter but a shared experience for First Nations peoples across the province.

“When police come to reserves, they must work with First Nations to enforce their laws. Community-based approaches to implement and enforce our laws keep people safe and reduce crime. When First Nations can't enforce these laws, chaos will ensue.

“Excluding the enforcement of First Nations' laws as a mandatory police function is discriminatory. There's no way around it. It leaves our communities vulnerable, and without the protection they deserve. First Nations police services need to be considered essential like police forces off-reserve.

“Right now, the Conservatives are effectively telling First Nations that they don't know how to protect and govern while failing to take action to ensure First Nation safety.

"I hope this lawsuit leads to a resolution that sets a precedent for the future and serves as a wake-up call to this government that First Nations leadership won't stand idle while our fundamental rights and justice are being denied."