The province’s RCMP have officially launched their Black Engagement Steering Committee, and those who have been leading the conversations over the last few months say it has been an eye-opening experience.

RCMP Assistant Commissioner, and chair of the committee, Ches Parsons says while the committee hasn’t necessarily changed his perspective on the force’s relationship with the black community, it has opened his eyes on the systemic issues they discussed.

“We might have to clear hurdles, they have to clear walls, and we need to knock down those walls,” explains Parsons. He says the process wasn’t just eye-opening, it was enlightening.

At @RCMPNL HQ where the force has announced the establishment of the RCMP black Engagement Steering Committee Newfoubdland and Labrador (RBESCoNL) @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/DF9QPB3XgS

— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) December 4, 2020