Ottawa police advisory committee member urges officer's suspension over racist comments

A member of a committeethat advises Ottawa police onrelations withvisible minorities and Indigenous communities saysa police sergeant who allegedly posted offensive comments about the death of anacclaimed Inuk artistshould be suspended while an internal investigation into his actions takes place.

• Ottawa police chief on racist comments: All officers are human, have biases

A citizen filed a complaint withOttawa police Chief CharlesBordeleauon Sunday after reading comments posted on an Ottawa Citizen story about the death of celebrated artist, AnniePootoogook.The 47-year-old's body was found last week in the Rideau River.

"Typically many Aboriginals have very short lifespans, talent or not," the commenter wrote.

The same person posted a second commentthatcharacterized Canada's Indigenous community as "just satisfied being alcohol or drug abusers."

The comments came from theFacebook account ofChris Hrnchiar, who the complainantnoted appeared to be an Ottawa police sergeant.

'Completely inappropriate and racist'

Aisha Sherazi, a member of the community and police action committee, or COMPAC, saidshe was shocked over the comments.

"I think they were completely inappropriate and racist," Sherazi said.

In an interview on CBC's Ottawa MorningThursday,Chief Charles Bordeleau said the comments reflect neither his values nor those ofthe Ottawa Police Service.

"I'm certainly hearing they are being seen as racist comments," said Bordeleau. "I certainly appreciate and understand how thecomments are being received."

Yesterday Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson described the comments as "offensive and bordering on being racist."

But Sherazi suggested neither Bordeleaunor Watson went far enough in their condemnation.

"Honestly I think the reality is, two white males can't really speak to the experience of racism and so they are always going to hesitate to call it out," Sherazi said.

Sherazisaid she respectsBordeleauand believes"his heart is in the right place," adding the chief is in a"tough spot" because he has to follow due process and carry out an internal investigation.

But she also thinks suspending the officer might go a long way to demonstrate to the community that police recognize howdamaging racist comments are.

"I think these issues coming to light right now, there couldn't be a better time for that to happen because frankly speaking, theyexist."

'What can we do to change your attitude?'

But another member of COMPAC, vice-chairLynda Kitchikessic-Juden,is taking a more conciliatory view.

Kitchikessic-Juden, who for 16 yearshas represented Ottawa's Indigenous community on COMPAC,cautionedagainst a knee-jerk reaction to the comments, and urged people to reserve judgementuntil the investigation is complete.

If the officer is found to have made the comments,Kitchikessic-Judensaidbased on her cultural values she would recommendrestorativejustice, such as educating himabout the impact of the residential school system on people in her community, rather than punitive measures.

"Iactually have a lot of compassion as a human being for others," said Kitchikessic-Juden. "I'd probably give him a hug and let him know there's no hatred or anger from me on this, and I'd say, 'What can Ido to bring you to a better head space?'"

Asked what else she might tell the officer, an emotionalKitchikessic-Juden replied: "We've lost a lot of young women and men in our communitiesbecause of attitudes like this. Please, what can we do to change your attitude?"

Kitchikessic-Juden.said she'd like thepolice officer to consider apologizing to Annie Pootoogook's family while the investigation is ongoing.