MINUTES – PUBLIC – PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION (CSP) – 4th meeting – September 25, 2026 – 9:02 a.m. to 11:55 a.m.

5. Public question period

Isabelle Cousineau brings to the Commission's attention a recent situation concerning the presence, on the territory, of an individual with a criminal record in another province. She reports on the concerns expressed by certain citizens and highlights the issues related to legislative differences between provinces regarding the dissemination of information. While acknowledging these concerns, she invites the members to address this issue with caution and sensitivity.

In response, it is specified that the powers to disseminate information concerning individuals presenting a risk to the population differ from one province to another. The members are also informed that provincial legislation aimed at regulating risk assessment and information dissemination is currently under study. The Commission agrees to follow the evolution of this file, considering its importance for public safety. Patrice Brunelle and Claudia Cervellera leave at 9:15 a.m.

6. 2023-2025 Review of the Plan servir la population dans toute sa diversité – Presentation

Nicolas Côté, representative of the SPVG (Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau), presents the review of the actions of the 2023-2025 Action Plan Servir la population dans toute sa diversité. He mentions that this plan, gatineau.ca, aims notably to improve relations with diverse communities and Indigenous communities, to better understand their realities, to adapt organizational practices, to develop staff skills, to improve the service offer, and to foster better representation within the organization.

The members are informed of the action plan evaluation process, which involved consulting staff and concerned partners. The facts of the results obtained as well as the main avenues for improvement identified are presented. The actions carried out within the framework of the seven intervention axes of the plan are also exposed. Among the achievements highlighted are notably the creation of partner committees, the implementation of a pairing program between Service managers and community organizations, the holding of consultation activities, the development of training on various social and cultural realities, as well as the adaptation of certain practices and certain organizational tools.

The challenges encountered, notably in terms of information dissemination, communication of achievements, mobilization of partners, and maintaining uniform commitment within the organization, are also presented. The findings from this process contributed to the development of the next 2026-2029 Action Plan.

Questions are raised concerning the result indicating that a portion of the consulted partners did not clearly perceive the effects of the plan. It is explained that several respondents knew little about the content of the plan or did not make the link between the actions carried out and the objectives of the plan, which highlights a need to improve communications and the dissemination of results.

The members exchange on the pairing program between the SPVG and community organizations. Clarifications are requested regarding its operation, the frequency of exchanges, and the sustainability of the established relationships. It is specified that this program fosters collaboration between the Service and the organizations, facilitates communications during specific situations, and contributes to a better understanding of the realities and needs of different clienteles. A revision of the program is underway in order to harmonize its practices and integrate new partners.

The members also underline the importance of the role played by community organizations in the development of trust-based relationships with diverse communities and in the improvement of police interventions. It is added that the diversity of realities present on the territory requires continuous adaptation of practices and approaches. Finally, exchanges focus on recruitment and awareness initiatives among youth. The members encourage the continuation of actions aimed at making the police profession known to students and guidance counselors in order to generate greater interest in this career. Vanessa L. Constantineau leaves at 10:08 a.m. The quorum is maintained. gatineau.ca Pause from 10:07 a.m. to 10:17 a.m.

7. Update on the new Plan servir la population dans toute sa diversité - Presentation

Nicolas Côté, representative of the SPVG, presents the different stages that led to the development of the 2026-2029 Action Plan Servir la population dans toute sa diversité. He specifies that this new plan is in continuity with the previous one and aims mainly to consolidate the actions already implemented. Its development is based on the findings from the 2023-2025 review as well as on comments collected from staff, partners, and different communities.

The Plan is structured around seven intervention axes aiming notably at the development of staff knowledge and skills, the recruitment and retention of employees from Indigenous communities and diversity, the improvement of organizational practices, the strengthening of community partnerships, the continuation of outreach activities with citizens, as well as better dissemination of the Service's achievements.

The presentation also highlights the SPVG's desire to foster the transfer of knowledge acquired in training toward concrete application in the field, notably through increased use of simulations and practical scenarios. Measures are also planned to better support employees from diverse backgrounds and to better respond to the realities of certain clienteles in the provision of police services. The Service indicates wanting to continue data collection, further structure partnerships with community organizations, improve the pairing program, and develop new outreach initiatives with communities. Particular attention will also be paid to the promotion and dissemination of actions carried out in order to increase their reach among the population.

The members exchange on the mechanisms for tracking hate crimes and on the indicators used to measure their evolution on the territory. It is specified that the data is subject to analysis and monitoring by the SPVG. It is underlined that a challenge remains regarding the reporting of certain situations, which can limit the scope of available data. The importance of raising public awareness to report these events is also mentioned.

Discussions also focus on the collaboration between the SPVG and other municipal services to ensure that events that may have a hateful character are adequately reported and documented. It is mentioned that steps are underway to improve information transmission mechanisms.

The members welcome the actions presented within the framework of the 2026-2029 Action Plan and question the positioning of the SPVG in relation to other police organizations. It is mentioned that several initiatives put in place are innovative and that the preferred approach is based on prevention, the strengthening of ties with communities, and the development of trust-based relationships before issues arise. gatineau.ca

Finally, the members underline the importance of continuing awareness, outreach, and inclusion actions in a context where certain discriminatory discourses are growing. The efforts deployed by the SPVG to promote respect for diversity and foster an inclusive organizational culture are welcomed.