Two Hamilton councillors join calls to defund police

Two Hamilton city councillors have joined calls to defund the police.

Ward 1 Councillor Maureen Wilson and Ward 3 Councillor Nrinder Naan read a statement Wednesday morning to voice their support.

The movement calls for cities to reallocate police funds to public services and community programs.

“Since 2005 Hamilton’s Police Services budget has increased by 68 per cent, while crime rates have trended downwards and our population risen less than 12 per cent,” said Nann.

The current Hamilton Police is $171 million.

“It is our responsibility as municipally elected officials to demonstrate fiscal leadership by investing with purpose with the expectation of positive returns,” said Wilson.

“It is our responsibility as municipally elected officials to advocate for solutions that will better serve all Hamiltonians and the future of our city.”

The idea of defunding the police has gained traction in recent weeks following protests and unrest sparked by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.

Here in Canada, there have been calls for investigations into racism and bias in policing.

The deaths and arrests of several Indigenous and Black Canadians at the hands of police are currently under review.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said systemic racism exists in Canada and its police forces.

An online petition to defund Hamilton police had close to 4,000 signatures as of Wednesday morning.