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Update March 26, 2019

The Hon. Gloria J. Epstein today made a statement in response to news that the Toronto Police Services Board has expanded the Review’s Terms of Reference. The statement is here.


Update January 31, 2019

Letter to the Toronto Police Services Board from The Honourable Gloria Epstein on January 30, 2019


Update January 8, 2019

The Hon. Gloria J. Epstein today announced the names of the Community Advisor and the Community Advisory Group as contemplated by the Review's Terms of Reference. They will assist the Review in its outreach to the Toronto community, particularly members of the LGTBQ2S+ community and those who are members of vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Judge Epstein stated that "the Community Advisor and Community Advisory Group represent one important way in which I can get community feedback on potential recommendations I might make for change. They will also assist me in ensuring that everyone who wants to be heard is indeed heard."

Mark Sandler, Lead Counsel for the Review, observed that "this group is truly diverse in so many ways. Its members collectively bring a wide range of cultural identities, lived experiences, competencies, and expertise to our work."

About the Review

What is the Independent Civilian Review into Missing Persons Investigations?

The Independent Civilian Review into Missing Persons Investigations was established by the Toronto Police Services Board. The Review was prompted by the tragic deaths of members of our diverse community and more specifically, by deep concerns about how the Toronto Police Service conducted the investigations into their disappearances. Questions have been raised about whether the handling of missing persons investigations have been tainted by systemic bias or discrimination, and whether current policies and procedures adequately protect against such bias or discrimination against members of the LGTBQ2S+ community as well as marginalized or vulnerable communities more generally. The Review was also prompted by questions raised about how and when the Toronto Police Service advises or cautions the public and members of specific communities about safety concerns, and whether the current approach adequately protects the public.

What is the Purpose of the Review?

The Review will enable the Hon. Gloria Epstein to make recommendations pertaining to how missing persons investigations should be conducted in Toronto. They will be designed to promote efficient, effective bias-free policing in relation to missing persons investigations and more generally in relation to communities that feel marginalized and vulnerable.

How will the Review be conducted?

Terms of Reference guide the nature and scope of the Review. These were designed by a diverse Working Group and its facilitator, Breese Davies, with feedback from the Independent Reviewer and her Lead Counsel.

The Review has already commenced the task of collecting and reviewing relevant documents that will assist in identifying issues to discuss with community and policing stakeholders. This website will also identify opportunities for individuals and organizations to submit written submissions, if so desired, to the Review.

More information about the Review will be posted on this website on an ongoing basis.

Who will conduct the Review?

The Honourable Gloria J. Epstein has been appointed as the Independent Reviewer. Her duties commenced on September 1, 2018 upon her retirement as a judge of the Court of Appeal for Ontario. She will be assisted by her Lead Counsel, Mark Sandler. See "The Review Team" for brief biographical information about each. See "Statement of Hon. Gloria Epstein" for a brief videotape outlining the Independent Reviewer’s vision for the Review.

They will be assisted through a broad consultative process. This will include opportunities for individuals and organizations to meet with the Independent Reviewer and her team either in public or, at their request, confidentially. A Community Advisor and Community Advisory Group have been engaged to further ensure that diverse voices within the community are heard.

What is the timing for the Review?

The Review formally commenced on September 1, 2018. It is anticipated that the Independent Reviewer’s final report will be issued on or before April 2020.

Terms of Reference

Terms of Reference guide the nature and scope of the Review. These were designed by a diverse Working Group and its facilitator, Breese Davies, with feedback from the Independent Reviewer and her Lead Counsel.

Terms of Reference [8 pages – 107kb]

Media

Media Relations

Peter Rehak

email prehak@missingpersonsreview.ca
email msandler@missingpersonsreview.ca


Media Release - Independent Civilian Review into Missing Persons Investigations has started its work [3 pages – 80kb]

Media Release - Independent Civilian Review into Missing Persons Investigations Announces its Community Advisor and Community Advisory Group Members [4 pages – 86kb]

Media Release - Statement from the Hon. Gloria J. Epstein, Chair of the Independent Civilian Review Into Missing Persons Investigations [2 pages – 68kb]

Contact

Anyone wishing to contact the Review can do in the following ways:

Correspondence: Independent Review into Missing Persons Investigations
439 University Avenue
Suite 1900
Toronto, Ontario
M5G 1Y8

email info@missingpersonsreview.ca

Nazampal (Naz) Jaswal
phone 416 585 1706

Fax: 416 408 2372

Independent Civilian Review into Missing Persons Investigations

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