TORONTO, January 6, 2021 – The Human Rights Tribunal has awarded $35,000 in damages against the Peel Regional Police Board, including damages for psychological and trauma counselling. The Tribunal ruled that Peel Police used racially discriminatory force against a six-year-old Black girl while she was attending school.
The decision comes almost a year after the Tribunal ruled that two Peel police officers’ actions against the six-year-old constituted a “very serious” breach of the child’s human rights. The girl and her mother were represented by the Human Rights Legal Support Centre.
“I am happy this rather lengthy and difficult chapter is finally over,” said J.B., the child’s mother and litigation guardian. “I can now focus on what lies ahead, which is making my daughter whole. This decision gives my community hope where we often feel there’s no recourse.” The family’s identity is protected by way of a publication ban.
Read the full media release on Canada Newswire.