Does the RCMP have an issue with systemic racism? Poll says ‘yes’
Posted July 7, 2020 8:10 am.
Last Updated July 7, 2020 10:14 am.
OTTAWA (660 NEWS) – Canadians overwhelmingly believe the national police force has an issue with systemic racism, a new poll suggests.
However, not as many people were confident that the necessary changes would be made if it was left up to the Mounties themselves.
The Nanos Research survey, done for the Globe and Mail, found 75 per cent of Canadians believe the RCMP has an issue with implicit biases. Fourteen per cent said there was no systemic racism and the other 12 per cent was unsure.
Only 40 per cent of those who said there was an issue also said they believe the force can fix the issue itself. About a third–35 per cent–were doubtful RCMP would make appropriate changes.
Those living in the prairies were less likely to say the RCMP had an issue with racism. Women were more likely to say there was a bias over men.
In June, RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki acknowledged a problem with racism in the force.
