Independent Civilian Review into Missing Person Investigations: Grieving and hoping together

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Today, the Independent Civilian Review into Missing Person Investigations will release its report into the Toronto Police Service’s conduct in missing persons investigations.

The Review, led by retired judge of the Court of Appeal for Ontario Gloria J. Epstein, began in September 2018 and was prompted by the tragic deaths of members of our communities and our concerns about how the police conducted investigations into their disappearances.

We can only hope that this Review will make the kinds of recommendations that will lead to real and meaningful change for all marginalized communities and that these recommendations will be considered within broader calls for accountability and a total reimagining of policing in our city.

Mostly today, and again, we grieve. We mourn each life that was lost, and we admit to the simple and unimaginable truth that there are no reviews, no recommendations, no promises that can return a single one to the families and friends and communities who love and miss them.

This report will undoubtedly resurface a lot of grief and trauma – it will be incredibly challenging and difficult for our communities. 

If you require over-the-phone counselling support, please contact Reenita at RVerma@The519.org to request an appointment. Support will be available Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday by appointment.

Media inquiries: Contact Dean Lobo, Communications Coordinator at DLobo@The519.org · Media@The519.org

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