Police find no threat at Kathleen Wynne’s home after BLM vigil
Posted April 1, 2016 11:33 am.
Last Updated April 1, 2016 2:27 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive unit was called in to investigate the home of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, the day after a candlelight vigil by the activist group Black Lives Matter, and said no threat was found.
The group lead the vigil on Thursday evening outside Wynne’s home in remembrance of Andrew Loku, the man shot by Toronto Police last July.
“We are aware of the protest action by Black Lives Matter Toronto,” a spokesperson from the Premier’s office said Friday.
A wreath and photos were left in Loku’s honour along with a tent to symbolize the eleventh day of the group’s tent city demonstration. Black Lives Matter has been using the hashtag #BLMTO and #BLMTOtentcity to organize on social media.
This vigil comes after the movement vowed to bring their anti-police brutality protest directly to politicians earlier this week.
The Premier’s office said that Minister Michael Coteau, who is responsible for the Anti-Racism Directorate, is engaging with members of the Black Lives Matter group.
“Racism or discrimination of any kind are completely unacceptable anywhere in Ontario,” said the Premier’s spokesperson. “That’s why we established the Directorate to address racism in all its forms, with a particular focus on preventing systemic racism and increasing anti-racism education and awareness.”
The spokesperson also pointed to recent updates to the Police Service Act, but did not specifally mention carding.
Black Lives Matter has been protesting outside Toronto police headquarters for over 280 hours, in response to what they say are anti-black policies of the city and province. They also want more information about Loku’s death to be made public.
Wynne, Toronto Mayor John Tory and Police Chief Mark Saunders have yet to respond to the protests.
The Premier’s office said they will be looking very closely at oversight and governance of police services in Ontario.
“We will also be looking closely at police officer training, including de-escalation, and interacting with vulnerable individuals as part of our new Strategy for a Safer Ontario,” said the spokesperson.
