I would like to thank Kevin Begg for inviting me to participate in this conference. I understand that your conference is held every two years and this year the theme is The Future of Police Leadership – One World, One Voice, One Purpose.

During my background research I discovered discussion on some issues such as recruitment and equity, jurisdiction and amalgamation, community-based policing and the independence of police officers. I must say that as a former Provincial Court Judge, these issues have an eerie similarity to those discussed at judicial conferences.

I trust that over the duration of your conference you will actively discuss the issues, gaze into the crystal ball, and do the best you can to make sense of these difficult matters. I believe it was Pierre Trudeau, who said, “All we can do is justice in our time.” I think that means although we would like to accommodate everyone, it just isn’t possible. However, my task, thankfully, is not to give you any solutions but rather to simply thank you for your continued commitment to improving policing services in BC and across Canada.

Over time, nothing remains exactly the same except our values and principles. This means that any change or transformation can never compromise the high standard of service that every Canadian has come to expect from our police.

In the Halkomelem language, the original language of the Aboriginal People of my ancestors, Letse Mot, means one mind. There is a belief that the leadership must come to a consensus before making decisions about the future. This requires dialogue and thoughtful listening. I encourage you over the course of your dialogue to listen thoughtfully and then, with conviction and commitment, move forward. Improvements do not have to take place all at once but rather, as the elders used to say, walk slowly to ensure that every step is sure and on solid ground.

On behalf of Her Majesty and all the citizens of BC, thank you for your commitment to improving policing across our nation.

LOCATION:1401 Rockland Avenue
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada V8S 1V9

PHONE:(250) 387-2080

FAX:(250) 387-2078

EMAIL:ghinfo@gov.bc.ca

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