N.S. and N.B. reach agreement to share SIRT's services when investigating incidents involving police
The Nova Scotia and New Brunswick governments have reached an agreement that allows Nova Scotia's police watchdog to provide oversight for serious incidents involving police in both provinces.
A joint statement from both provinces says the agreement ensures both provinces will benefit from the Nova Scotia Serious Incident Response Team's (SIRT) expertise and independent police oversight.
SIRT is an independent civilian-led agency that investigates all serious incidents, such as death, serious injury, domestic violence, and sexual assault, involving police, whether or not there is an allegation of wrongdoing.
"Citizens of both our provinces must have confidence that serious incidents involving police are thoroughly and independently investigated," said Nova Scotia Attorney General and Minister of Justice Brad Johns.
"Expanding SIRT's services enhances regional co-operation, promotes public safety and increases public confidence that investigations involving alleged police misconduct are done efficiently and professionally."
New Brunswick Public Safety Minister Kris Austin says he's pleased both provinces have reached an agreement.
"Residents want to know there are checks and balances to police powers, along with accountability. We acknowledge that police officers risk their lives every day they go to work, and that their professions are incredibly difficult," he said.
"The agreement guarantees impartiality and fairness in any investigations involving a New Brunswick police officer.”
Since 2017-2018, SIRT has provided assistance on at least 21 investigations in Atlantic Canadian jurisdictions outside Nova Scotia through ad hoc agreements under Nova Scotia's Police Act.
An agreement in principle for a Nova Scotia-New Brunswick SIRT was announced in September 2021.
Since then, the provinces say they have worked together to ensure the appropriate legislative and policy frameworks are in place.
The joint statement says both provinces will share the costs, resources and benefits of the collaboration.
Other resources will also be added, including a new bilingual office in New Brunswick, as well as a new assistant director, three investigators and one administrative professional, who will all be based in New Brunswick.
The director of SIRT remains responsible for the organization's operations in both provinces and has sole authority to decide whether a charge is laid.
Investigations under the agreement will begin once the new premises are leased, new positions are filled and the New Brunswick investigators are trained.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
OPP seize $7.5 million worth of drugs in eastern Ontario
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says one person is facing multiple charges after a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Head Clara Maria Township.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.