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Defund the Police & Re-Allocate to Community Services

Ample research shows that cities thrive when social and community services are put at the forefront and are funded properly. This unfortunately is far from the case in Ottawa.

A look at the Ottawa Police Department's history with racial violence, mishandling of mental health situations, and a complete lack of knowledge and training on how to support instead of punish citizens reveals we are in dire straits and in need of change. The current system does not work. There are no questions about this.

The lack of accountability on the police for their many missteps is concerning and downright scary. Who polices the police? Who advocates for citizens? These are issues that have been waiting far too long to be addressed.

Providing residents with means of support and survival eliminates so many of the causes of arrests in the first place. Why not go right to the source of disparity - inequality, lack of support, lack of resources, inadequate education - to correct the problem? Failing to do so is willful negligence and demonstrated ignorance.

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