Runciman points finger at Toronto's black leaders

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation ^ | Aug 6, 2003 | staff

[MalcolmS]

Toronto — Ontario's public security minister says tensions between Toronto's black community and the city's police persist because some people in the community have a "vested interest" in keeping those tensions alive.

Bob Runciman

Bob Runciman made the comments in the wake of claims from Toronto Police Chief Julian Fantino that his officers have become targets for some members of the black community.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Runciman responded to Fantino's comments by calling into question the leadership of the community.

"I think some people make a living off this," he said. "People who don't accept any degree of responsibility to solve the challenges and misunderstandings."

When asked if he was referring to members of the black community Runciman replied: "Yes."

He continued by adding that the lingering tension between Canada's largest police force and some members of the city's black community cannot be fully blamed on the force.

Unlike Fantino, who has traveled to Jamaica and held a series of public meetings in an effort to understand the problem, Runciman stressed that these leaders are not doing enough to help ease those tensions.

"Some folks here appear to have, in my view, a vested interest in seeing this kind of tension continue to exist," he said.

Responding to the comments Liberal MPP Monte Kwinter called Runciman's accusations "Inappropriate, ill-conceived and bordering on irresponsible."

Meanwhile Premier Ernie Eves insists Runciman was merely expressing concerns about "some people" who create problems for society, not the black community alone.

[MalcolmS]

Hard to believe this is happening in little-old politically correct Canada.

[mhking]

You sure this isn't Cincinnati?

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[theDentist]

" ... some people in the community have a 'vested interest' in keeping those tensions alive. "

I'm glad American minority leaders haven't caught on to that. Phew!
{/sarcasm}

[Lorenb420]

Responding to the comments Liberal MPP Monte Kwinter called Runciman's accusations "Inappropriate, ill-conceived and bordering on irresponsible."

You can't trust state run news organizations. I posted another article about this morning and the full quote Monte gave was:

Liberal MPP Monte Kwinter said Runciman cannot justify his comments. "I think they're inappropriate, ill-conceived and bordering almost on irresponsible," he said. "I think that when you target any identifiable group, it's racist -- absolutely.

Also from the same article:

Runciman said also he agrees with Fantino that hospitals should have to notify police when someone shows up with a wound from a gunshot or stabbing .

But Health Minister Tony Clement said he's concerned some patients would forego treatment if it was mandatory to report such incidents. "If someone dies of a gunshot wound away from the hospital, I don't think that advances the pursuit of justice," Clement said.

[sasafras]

Wow! Somebody is willing to speak the truth - Message to JJ, Sharpton, and all other liberals - the gig is up.