Historic appointment of Len Carby as first Black male to Peel Police Services Board

BY PAUL JUNOR

On Thursday, April 13^th, 2023, Len Carby received the citizen appointment to the Peel Region Police Services. This appointment was the culmination of many years of advocacy by individuals and groups who looked forward to having Black representation on the Peel Police Services Board as the first step in addressing longstanding and systemic issues in Peel policing.

Len Carby is highly regarded in the Black Brampton community for his many years of outstanding service, his accomplishments, and achievements.

He is a Financial Advisor with Versatile Financial Group and has extensive volunteer experiences with: United Way (Peel), Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Black Leadership Health Summit, Jamaica Consul General Citizenship Committees and others. He currently serves as co-chair of the Peel Police Anti-Racism Advisory Committee (ARAC) and is a member of the Mississauga Black Caucus.

Prior to the vote on April 13^th, there was an update from Peel Black Collective on April 4^th, 2023, regarding the presentation of a petition at the last meeting of the PRPSB on March 30^th. Ten candidates were interviewed by the Regional Council Policies and Procedures Committee (PPC), which was composed of six Regional Councillors, the Regional Chair and the mayors of: Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Of the five candidates, four were African-Canadian, one was selected and surprisingly Ahmad Attia, who was a current member of the Board, was also put forward.

Concerns were raised after the committee’s vote was deadlocked and support was shown for Mr.Attia, who many of the committee members wanted to reappoint. It was obvious that proper protocols were not followed and the possibility existed that the process would be flawed. The update notes, “The position we are in now as Black community members, is a historic representation of the Police Services Board, which now rests with various factions of the entire Regional Council. It is subject to various allegiance and alliances, and this council may very well attempt to carry out this vote in private.”

At the April 13^th, meeting, it was revealed that supposedly private selection processes were made public. Community members were made aware that Carby was shortlisted.

Annette Power spoke in favour of Len and states; “Communities across Peel have been speaking out for decades about how Black people experience policing in Canada. I have heard time and time again how important it is to build trust and to have qualified Black representation at every level of policing, including the police services board.”

She adds, “What does it take for a qualified Black person to be named to the police services board.”

She notes, “The lack of Black representation on the police services board is not a coincidence, but reflects a long-standing example of discrimination and exclusion.”

David Bosveld, Community Activist and member of the Peel Black Collective focused on the importance of having Black representation and the big difference it will make.

He states, “Representation matters; in this case, because Len is deeply connected in not just the Black community. We will be able to gain his ear, and vice versa, work together to better understand the issues in front of us.”

Solphia Jackson mentioned that it is time the council moved beyond the status quo. She notes, “There is a difference between equality and equity. Sometimes ensuring equity is uncomfortable and inconvenient, but of course, it’s the right thing to do.”

Carby wrote in a statement on Twitter after the Council’s vote, “I am honoured to be entrusted with this responsibility to provide oversight and governance on behalf of the residents of (Peel Region).”