The OPP doesn’t have to enforce First Nations laws. Indigenous leaders say that’s outrageous — and they want the Ford government to act – Toronto Star
March 20, 2024
Indigenous leaders are urging the province to make it mandatory for Ontario Provincial Police to enforce First Nations laws and bylaws.
To keep drug traffickers and other criminals at bay, Indigenous leaders are urging the province to make it mandatory for Ontario Provincial Police to enforce First Nations laws and bylaws.
The race is on as Ontario prepares for the new Community Safety and Policing Act to take effect April 1 with optional enforcement of unique laws — such as barring known bootleggers from dry reserves — approved by First Nations councils to protect their people and territory.
“It’s unthinkable that Ontario doesn’t see enforcing our laws and bylaws, which we use to keep drugs and criminals out, as part of adequate and effective policing,” said Chief Laurie Carr of Hiawatha First Nation on Rice Lake south of Peterborough.
