OPSB Fires Vital Police Release Into Blackest Of Black Holes

01/01/2024

If you’re looking for the best person to fill the important role as a volunteer citizen representative on the Ottawa Police Services Board, you tell the public at the optimum moment.

For the OPSB, that was on Friday, Dec. 22 at 4:25 p.m. That was the last few minutes of the last working day before the Christmas holiday.

Or in other words, it sent this release into the blackest of black holes in the news cycle.

Now a cynical person might say that the police board did that because it wanted to get one of its doobies on the board to avoid difficult questions. You can’t apply for something you don’t know anything about. Some poor Debbie Downers might suggest that this continues the anti-democratic nature of the OPSB which has consistently curtailed public input and free expression at its meetings. So much so that community activists have taken the board to court because they believe that body has obstructed their Charter rights.

But not your agent. No sir. We just see this as another characteristic action in the board’s pursuit of open, caring and inclusive government. We know that the puppet oversight body and the Ottawa Police Service are doing their best to uphold the rule of law for which the OPS and the OPSB have become so famous.

If community activists really want to illustrate the weaknesses of the OPS and the OPSB, one might suggest that an ethical person who wants open, caring and inclusive government as well as the strict adherence to the rule of law volunteer for the board.

Of course, one cannot promise that such a person would be chosen to get that volunteer position.

Last day to apply is Jan. 19. Good luck.

Ken Gray

This is a release from the City of Ottawa:

The City is recruiting one resident to be a Citizen Appointee to the Ottawa Police Services Board, for a three-year term. This volunteer position is an opportunity for a qualified resident to provide governance and oversight to the Ottawa Police Service.

What does the Ottawa Police Services Board do? The Board provides governance and oversight to the Ottawa Police Service, helping ensure adequate and effective police services in Ottawa. The Board is a provincially legislated body that is accountable to the Province and that operates under the authority of the Police Services Act.

Who is eligible? Each applicant must be a resident of Ottawa, at least 18 years of age or older and not an employee of the City of Ottawa. Full requirements are listed at ottawa.ca/committees.

Ottawa works better when its committees reflect the diversity of people it serves. The City encourages Indigenous and racialized people, people with disabilities, and women and gender diverse persons to apply and share their voices and unique perspectives.

For more information or to fill out and submit the online application form, visit the Join a committee or board page. Alternate application formats are available upon request. Email committees@ottawa.ca or call 613-580-2424 ext. 28136 for more information.

To be considered, applications must be submitted by Friday, January 19 at 4:30 pm.

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