TORONTO, ON – February 24, 2026 – A Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC) client has reached a settlement with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in a case of alleged racial profiling.
Kingsley Reid, a 63-year-old Black man from Clarksburg, was forcefully arrested following an alleged altercation with Reid’s white neighbour, in which he had called police. In investigating the case, OPP officers allegedly only spoke with his neighbour before entering his apartment, tasering him, and taking him into custody. Reid was charged with three criminal offences but found not guilty of all charges.
The HRLSC represented Reid in his human rights application, which alleged racial profiling by the OPP. The parties reached a settlement before the hearing of the case was completed. Sadly, Kingsley Reid passed away shortly after reaching this settlement agreement.
“Our father was a strong believer in respecting everyone, regardless of race,” said his daughter, Leah Reid. “The HRLSC supported him until his final moments, standing by him when no one else would, and upheld his plea for dignity and justice. Without their dedication, my father likely would not have received the justice he deserved.”
“We are proud to have helped Kingsley and his family reach a settlement before his untimely passing,” says Megan Evans Maxwell, counsel with the HRLSC who represented Reid.
The HRLSC provides legal support services to Ontarians who believe they have been discriminated against under the Ontario Human Rights Code. This includes support with mediations and settlements, which can sometimes include agreements for public interest remedies, such as training or policy change.
“We continue to see the profound impact on individuals and families of allegations and experiences of racial profiling and unequal treatment across our services”, says Remi Warner, Executive Director of the HRLSC. “While this case took several years to resolve, it demonstrates that meaningful settlement remains possible at any stage of the process. We hope that sharing Mr. Reid’s story helps others understand the range of options available when pursuing justice, so that more Ontarians can access fair outcomes in ways that meet their needs.”
The HRLSC has recently expanded its capacity to provide early resolution and mediation support through two initiatives funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario. This investment comes as the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario introduced mandatory mediation for all applicants as of June 1, 2025.
Media Contact: media@hrlsc.on.ca
ABOUT THE HRLSC: The Human Rights Legal Support Centre advances equality and protects human rights by providing a range of accessible, high quality legal advice and support services to individuals who have faced discrimination or harassment contrary to Ontario’s Human Rights Code. The HRLSC is an independent, board-governed agency funded by the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General. It was established in 2008 as one of three pillars of Ontario’s human rights system. The other two pillars are the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and the Ontario Human Rights Commission.