TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2008 - The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) is concerned not only about the circumstances surrounding the death of Raymond Silverfox who died in hospital after spending 12 hours in a police cell, but about the attempt by the Premier of the Yukon Territory to avert any discussion on the issue.
The CRRF is also concerned that the issue of “systemic prejudice” raised by Yukon MLA, John Edzerza that Mr Silverfox’s death, which brings to four such deaths under similar circumstances, should warrant an investigation in the conduct of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the policies surrounding the arrest of intoxicated persons and the appropriateness of the training, if any, for officers assigned to highly racialized communities.
“We appreciate that the death is being investigated and that there is an expectation of an inquest to follow,” notes Dr. Ayman Al-Yassini, Senior Executive Vice President of the CRRF. “We hope that in the meantime, the RCMP and other authorities will take every precaution, up to and including a medical examination, to ensure that there are no repeats of this tragedy.”