Committee selects five candidates for London police board
Each to be interviewed in the next stage of the process
A city council committee has chosen five contenders to fill a vacant seat on the London Police Services Board.
The Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee (SPPC) voted Tuesday night to select the names from a list of 54 candidates vying for a spot on the board that provides direction, civilian input, and oversight into police operations.
The following individuals are now in the running for the position:
Michele Anderson: Associate director, academic support & engagement at Western University, and vice-chair and Ontario representative for the Inter-University Disabilities Issues Association.
Gita Canaran: A trauma therapist and clinical psychologist in Parkwood Mental Health's treatment and rehabilitation program.
Stephen D'Amelio: 2SLGBTQIA activist, advisor and former president of Pride London.
Ryan Gauss: Director of operations and personnel for London North Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos, and chair of the Bethanys Hope Foundation Board of Directors.
Joseph Wabegijig: Executive director of Atlohsa Family Healing Services and a member of the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Services Board.
Gauss was initially appointed to the board following the departure of human rights and labour lawyer Susan Toth, who had called for her replacement to be Black, Indigenous or a person of colour.
The former campaign manager for Mayor Josh Morgan beat out two diverse candidates, including Wabegijig.
City councillors then voted to delay the appointment and interview candidates instead amid outrage over the appointment of a white Liberal staffer over an Indigenous candidate.
The five new candidates will now be interviewed at a special meeting of the SPPC. The date has yet to be determined.