Justice minister names 16 members to policing review panel

Nova Scotia's Minister of Justice Brad Johns has named 16 people to a panel that will review policing in Nova Scotia.

The Nova Scotia policing review engagement advisory committee is charged with conducting "a comprehensive review of the policing structure in Nova Scotia," according to a news release issued Wednesday.

The panel will receive the help of Deloitte, which has been chosen by the province as the "external consultant" for this review. The province is paying the company $695,000 to conduct a "comprehensive technical review" and to complete a "broad public engagement" to help guide the panel with its work.

Lindell Smith, a Halifax Regional Municipality councillor, will co-chair the committee alongside Hayley Crichton, executive director of the Department of Justice's public safety and security division.

The remaining panel members come from a variety of organizations that represent many communities of interest.

The other panel members are:

• Rosalind Penfound, former deputy minister and chair of the Accessibility Advisory Board.
• Wayn Hamilton, interim executive director, Nova Scotia Association of Black Social Workers; former CEO, African Nova Scotian Affairs.
• Juanita Spencer, CEO, Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities.
• Thierno Diallo, National Council of Canadian Muslims.
• Dawn Ferris, executive director, Cumberland County Transition House Association.
• Shelly Martin, Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq.
• Colleen Belle, coordinator, Welcoming Communities, Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia.
• Chief Dave McNeil, Truro Police Service.
• Mapfumo Chidzonga, Office of Equity and Anti-Racism.
• Wayne Talbott, chair, Truro Police Commission
• Supt. Dan Morrow, district commander for Southwest Nova Scotia, RCMP.
• Sheri Taylor, executive director, Leeside Society.
• Anise McKay, Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project.
• Rob Morris, Phoenix Youth.

According to the news release, "The review, which will potentially make recommendations for change, is expected to be completed by April 2025."