Live updates from New Brunswick Police Act review shut down

Transparency took a back seat during the first day of the Department of Public Safety's review of the 31 proposed reforms to the New Brunswick Police Act.  

The proposed reforms were brought forward by the New Brunswick Police Commission, who had argued for the discussions to be open to the public and media, but the province opted to make them closed. 

The police commission vowed to live-tweet the proceedings on Wednesday morning, but after seven tweets the account went silent shortly after 8:30 a.m. 

"The Department of Public Safety monitors all media releases," said Police Commission Chair Ronald Cormier. "So we'll let the department of public safety do their work in terms of communications in all this." 

When asked why the promised updates via social media stopped, Cormier pointed again at the government. 

"Well you would have to ask the Department of Public Safety, they are in charge of the whole process — not the commission," said Cormier. "We are there as a participant." 

Elaine Bell, communications officer for the Department of Public Safety, stated there would be an update on the proceedings, but not until the end of the week. 

"Simply put, we've agreed this is a private session, and we'll keep the discussions within the meeting to make sure we are going through the proper procedures," said Bell. "We're hoping for some good, robust discussions to come out of this." 

According to Cormier the last time the Police Act was updated was in 2008. 

"It needs to be modernized," said Cormier. "Our role is to protect public interests in this. We hope that amendments are made. We're open to discussion, and collaborating fully with all stakeholders. We hope that it will be resolved in a positive manner." 

The proposal to suspend officers without pay while they are being investigated may be among the issues up for discussion during the forum. Currently officers must be paid while suspended.