Board to Hear Complaint Involving Halifax Police

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION--Board to Hear Complaint Involving Halifax Police

Nova Scotia's Human Rights Commission has appointed a board of inquiry to consider a complaint of discrimination on the basis of race by the Halifax Regional Police.

The complaint involves Kirk Johnson of North Preston, who alleges that he was targeted by Halifax Regional Police because he is a black male. Mr. Johnson complained that on the evening of April 12, 1998, his car was stopped by police on Main Street in Dartmouth resulting in it being impounded for alleged deficiencies in insurance and registration. The complaint also indicates that the vehicle was returned to Mr. Johnson the next day and no charges were laid.

Philip Girard, a professor at Dalhousie University law school, has been appointed as chair of the board of inquiry for the complaint. It will be heard on Tuesday, Aug. 5, in Halifax at the Dalhousie Student Union Building, Room 307, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Boards of inquiry are the final stage in the human rights complaint process. They are independent, public hearings into complaints of discrimination.