Police at odds over racism hire

Police are unhappy about the hiring of Alain Babineau to advise the SPVM on matters of racism and systemic discrimination.

Babineau, who used to work for the RCMP himself, has more recently been associated with Fo Niemi’s CRARR. Bochra Manaï, the city’s commissioner on racism, who chose Babineau for the job, has had to defend her choice.

If someone were chosen whom the police would just love, that would mean someone prepared to turn a blind eye to police problems in this area. They need to have someone like Babineau who’s been a cop and knows the vibe inside and out, and is prepared to speak up, not someone prepared to maintain the status quo and deliver soothing clichés to the media.

Babineau also happens to be Black.