SUDBURY -- A demonstration against police brutality will take place today in Sudbury at noon at Memorial Park.
In a news release, Greater Sudbury police said the march is aimed at "promoting equity and inclusiveness and condemning racism and police brutality.
"Communities everywhere are calling for justice," the release said. "We are here to listen and to be part of the solution. We acknowledge and take responsibility for the role police have played in systemic racism.
"Above listening, we are committed to taking action and working with our diverse communities to ensure that all peoples are treated with respect and dignity."
Protests have been held across the world in the wake of the death of George Floyd, an African American man whose death at police hands in Minneapolis last month has become a matter of global outrage.
In the news release, police in Sudbury said officers will be present at Wednesday's demonstration "to ensure the safety of participants.
"We understand and appreciate the power of language and we are working with organizers to provide a safe platform for your voices to be heard," the release said.
A release from Public Health Sudbury & Districts advise taking precautions to keep yourself and others safe from COVID-19:
- Keep to groups of five or less.
- Wash your hands and bring hand sanitizer.
- Be respectful of people’s space—stay two metres apart from others.
- Practise physical distancing as much as possible.
- Wear a non-medical or cloth mask.
- If you are sick, stay home.
- Monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19.
- Shouting may spread droplets—consider other instruments for making noise.
- Testing is available, by appointment, for anyone with symptoms or people who are asymptomatic and who are concerned that they have been exposed to COVID-19.
- Follow public health advice.
Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 for guidance on how to wear masks and for information about physical distancing, COVID-19 symptoms, and testing.
At the conclusion of the demonstration, participants will march from Memorial Park to the Bridge of Nations to the Sudbury Courthouse. Motorists should expect delays in the downtown core between 1– 4 p.m. in the area of Brady, Paris and Elm streets.
Officers in cruisers and on bicycles will be ensuring the safety of those marching, as well as, the orderly flow of traffic, the release said.
"We are dedicated to protecting and serving this community and we want to continue having respectful dialogues with all communities to build public trust through community engagement and transparency," the release said.
"We know that there is much work to be done and we will continue to work with you and listen to you as we work together to put an end to racism and violence."
