LAKAY is formally requesting that the City of Repentigny commission a second independent study on racial profiling without delay. This request is motivated by the lack of concrete evidence demonstrating real changes since the first study conducted five years ago, and by the persistent concerns expressed by Black citizens of Repentigny.
The first study, commissioned by the previous city administration and conducted by a group of independent academic researchers, revealed an alarming situation in June 2021: Black people were three times more likely to be stopped by the police than other citizens. These clear and concerning results demanded strong action.
During the last municipal election campaign, a survey conducted by the firm Léger Survey revealed that racial profiling was among the main concerns of the citizens of Repentigny.
However, four years after they came to power, no new independent study has been conducted to evaluate the actions implemented. Meanwhile, in July 2022, the City of Repentigny and two of its police officers were convicted of racial profiling against a Black citizen, demonstrating that discriminatory practices persist.
Furthermore, four years after the death of Jean René Junior Olivier, a Black man following a police intervention in Repentigny, on the 1ster August 2021, LAKAY seriously questions what has truly changed in the ways of doing things at the municipal police.
The organization also calls on municipal political parties: What concrete measures do they intend to propose to put an end to random interceptions and stops targeting Black people in Repentigny?
It's time to act. Talk is no longer enough. We demand transparency, accountability, and concrete actions.
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